11/27/06 U.S. beef gets access to Russia

American Rancher November 27, 2006 The signing last week of a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Russia will be a boon for U.S. livestock producers. That's what U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Phil Seng says. He says the first step for getting beef moving again will mean allowing Russians access to U.S. plants. Seng: "Once the Russians have inspected our plants for beef, they want to come in and do a look see as far as beef, they will then have the market open for bone-in and boneless beef under 30 months of age and this is a significant step for us." Seng says there are additional steps before product can begin moving. Seng: "There is the ratification by our Congress. Also there has to be a veterinary agreement agreed upon. Beef won't move tomorrow for example because it has to be placed in the export library. Our USDA FIS has to amend its protocol so it is in alignment with what was to agreed to. So there is a little paperwork involved in this but obviously we are very interested in expediting this as soon as possible so we can begin moving product to that market." In 2003, Russia was the fifth largest export market for U.S. beef in terms of quantity, importing over 140 million pounds of U.S. beef and beef variety meats valued at over $53 million. It was the largest export market for beef livers. I'm Bob Hoff.