06/29/06 Japan and BSE

Something is rubbing me wrong about the hoopla regarding Japan reopening their doors to US beef. Oh I am thrilled for our cattleman who could use a shot in the arm when it comes to the beef market. But I am wary. The Japanese government has done a tidy job of creating fear over the safety of US beef so even now with the market reopened consumer surveys show that Japanese people are cautiously cool about consuming US beef. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns stroked Japan's ego by telling them their decision to reopen was "an excellent example for other countries in Asia" virtually establishing Japan as the lightening rod for North American Beef. Very dangerous. To be "good buddies", we have also amended our restrictions on importing Japanese beef. Tell me why we need to bring in beef from Japan? It is also fascinating the media fails to cover the fact that Japan has at least 22 reported cases of BSE in their own cattle. How many have we had in the US, and we have to jump through their hoops? Caution, we are entering the "spin zone". Source: http://beef-mag.com/cowcalfweekly/Japan-reopens-ccw-121605/index.html http://www.cbc.ca/story/news/national/2006/01/23/mad-cow060123.html