09/11/06 Cattle groups cheer Korean news

American Rancher September 11, 2006 Livestock groups like the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and R-CALF USA applauded the announcement late last week that South Korea has agreed to resume imports of boneless U.S. beef from animals under 30 months of age. Greg Doud, economist for the NCBA, says rebuilding the South Korean market in the wake of BSE won't take as long as in Japan. Doud: "Korean retailers and restaurants were absolutely chomping at the bit to U.S. beef back on the menu after they ran out. I was told six to nine months ago by USMEF that the Korean retailers had their promotional campaigns ready. Their posters made. They were ready to go. So that is on the positive side of the equation it is a much different situation than we have in Japan." Doud says a big negative is that South Korea will only accept boneless beef. Doud: "And of course 40% of what we have traditionally sold Korea is one cut. Bone-in short ribs. And the key word there is bone-in. So where the disappointment is we really have one hand tied behind our back as we get back in that market. I'm Bob Hoff.