03/21/05 USDA appeal on border: trial date set

American Rancher March 21, 2005 Late last week the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the USDA, filed a request with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals asking the court to overturn that temporary injunction that is keeping the U.S. border closed to live Canadian cattle. Prior to announcement of appeal, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns made this comment about the USDA's strategy regarding its minimal risk regions rule. Johanns: "The strategy with the Montana case is real straight forward. To be real aggressive in moving through that litigation so we can get the border open with Canada." A statement issued by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association said it believes USDA's decision to appeal the injunction will speed resolution of the issue and hopefully return the debate to a discussion of science and fact versus politically motivated litigation. The Canadian Cattlemen's Association said the appeal indicates USDA's confidence in Canada's BSE controls and the safety of Canadian beef. R-CALF USA filed the suit that resulted in the preliminary injunction and the federal judge in the case, Richard Cebull, has scheduled a hearing for July 27th on whether the U.S. border should be permanently closed to Canadian cattle under 30 months of age. I'm Bob Hoff.