Japan bans American beef

[farmers_son]

Cowman: Well said.

[Willowcreek]

cowman: Willowcreek: I assume you are talking about blue tongue and the other disease? Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought a simple test got US cattle in? If not how did all those purebred US bulls and heifers get up here to our shows and sales? I don't know if that was a problem or not? I think all our Canadian stock heading south needs a bangs test...and yet we don't have Bangs?
I believe Montana had restrictions in place to limit animals coming in for both these diseases also? So might be the kettle calling the pot black?"
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A $30 test and a 30 day quarantine to get across the border was required since ALL US cattle were diseased- even those running side by side with the Canadian cattle...

As of now the only cattle coming into Montana with a block restriction are those directly from Mexico (mostly rodeo stock)-- otherwise its a state by state shipping restriction- even the Mexican cattle have differing restrictions depending on what state they come from--But Canada in their ignorance (or protectionalism) for 10 years said ALL US CATTLE ARE DISEASED...

Do you see now why some down here think we should wait 10 years before we consider opening the border to the Canadian herd?

As far as I know Canada still hasn't worked out an agreement to equalize the border crossing- that was the main reason NCBA was still opposing the opening to OTM's..Since you're on that side check it out and see if their has been any movement...

And the NORTH AMERICAN HERD concept that came up in desperation did give all the locals the best laugh they've had yet.......

[cowman]

Well Willowcreek you very well may have a valid complaint? Actually the boys over at the department of agriculture don't ask me my opinion very often(as in never)!
Thank you for informing us about the fee and quarantine...I certainly didn't know...thought it was a $5 test one day thing. I wonder if some of the people selling Canadian cattle to the US could give us some numbers on costs to ship to the US? One number floating around is $100 but not sure about that?
Willowcreek, no one said this system was perfect? But we are getting this garbage sorted out and you should realize, in the big picture, it is a lot better if we can work together as North American cattlemen than as hostile neighbors? I assume you get along with your neighbors?
If there have been historical injustices...they can be worked out? On both sides?
Whether you like it or not...whether I like it or not...thats just how it is and neither of us can change it? Well unless you are a fishing buddy of George or something? Or maybe I am a fishing buddy of Paul? Oops sorry Stephen! Cheer up we are about to elect someone who will be American friendly instead of someone who thinks you are all a bunch of SOBS!