Is it possible?

[jensend]

i guess cowman the flip side to the packers getting this border open is that they are keeping other borders (i.e. japan) closed by calling the shots on testing and compliance with their health regulations. this is only working for them. this is a golden opportunity for us to leap ahead of our best friends to the south and open the doors for ourselves but we have too many politicians who are impressed with the opportunity to take orders from the big boys to let their own constituents get ahead.

[greybeard]

Well said Randy. Like I said before, when you look back now it was amazing how quick the border popped open to boxed UTM in order to get those plants profiting from this political situation. Those with the most political clout made the most money.
I think the seeds have been sown for taking control of our own processing for those that want it. Some plants are running now and I think some will go regardless.
Reviewing the summary in January Cattlemen magazine:
Rangeland Beef Processors is slaughtering now.
Peace Country Tender Beef may have Chinese investment.
Cargill has expanded by 25%
Lakeside will expand
Ranchers Beef (Price/Cor Van Ray ) will go by next fall
TK Natural Beef will probably go
Natural Valley Farms is in the market and has the money
XL Moose Jaw went from 4500 to 8500 /week and are currently raping the cull cow market.
Rancher’s choice in Dauphin looks likely.
Gencor Foods / Genex is killing dairy culls
Atlantic Beef Products is operating.
I don’t know enough about the others to comment.
When I say the seeds are sown, I mean if the participants in these plants find them beneficial there will be more expansion.
I think some will go and some will fail. Depends mostly on who’s running them, and how committed the shareholders are. You can bet some shareholders will be getting very attractive bids for their cattle from “other sources”.
Regardless of how they do, the facilities will be there. Sometimes it is the second or third owner that gets things right.

[Joe-2]

I've had my minions watching for and compiling a list of known R-calf members and supporters for the past 15 months or so.They are currently alphabetizing it and making additions etc.
I will gladly e- mail a copy of the list to anyone that wants one once it is ready.
Interestingly enough, there are close to a dozen names on the list that I recognize as past customers for hay/straw and or cattle in years gone by!!! Guess who is getting a 40% "dink factor" added to their cost in the future???
Two-faced people REALLY piss me off!!!