06/14/07 Back to South Korea

Today I get to tell you about some good news for United State exports. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back with the details. About a month ago, I told you U.S. beef was trying again to pass South Korean inspections and be marketed in that country. Well, an article in the Western Livestock Reporter contributed by Meatingplace related the last four shipments of U.S. beef have passed inspections with flying colors. These shipments were tested using an automated import information system that follows internationally accepted guidelines. The beef passed x-ray machine inspection for bone fragments and tests for chemical compounds like dioxin and antibiotics. Over the last year I have lamented how tough it was for high-quality healthy U.S. beef to pass South Korea's inspections. Ok, maybe you could call it whining, but here's the good news. Over 100 tons of U.S. beef should be shipped to South Korea by the end of May. You want more good news? Ok, if everything works right we should export 5,000 tons of U.S. beef to South Korea each month starting in June. I have to commend U.S. beef exporting companies for having faith in our beef products and the tenacity to keep shipping that beef until it was accepted. I also have to take my hat off to U.S. trade representatives and legislators for not giving up on negotiations. More U.S. beef exported! Now that's what I'm talking. I'm Jeff Keane. Western Livestock Reporter/Meatingplace 5/23/07