finally som cow sense

[cowman]

I wonder grassfarmer, does the EU need our beef? Are they self sufficient in beef?

[Willowcreek]

grassfarmer quote "The EU has imported hormone and anti-biotic free beef from Canada through the likes of Highland Beef's program so it isn't just a pretence."

Same down here in the states grassfarmer--Some EU countries have purchased some of the certified all natural from US plants- I know during the Olympics, Greece took a large amount of it from a South Dakota plant, I believe.....But since it is considered a specialty item it is pricey....

Interesting to note- down here in watching the video auctions and talking with the buyers- most are now wanting signed affidavits verifying no implants, no hormones, no antibiotics and are paying top prices for them....

Also- except for the border issue grassfarmer, I think R-CALF's policies are pretty much in step with what many Canadian producers feel...And the border issue could easily be taken care of with USDA implementing of the M-COOL law...Something I think you will see Canadians screaming for upon the entry of Brazil, Argentina etal into the Canadian market......

[grassfarmer]

Cowman, they are nothing like self sufficient in beef now in Europe. But that was the plan, ably assisted by the likes of the UK Government, run down the home industry and increase imports. Fats are selling dear in the UK now - about $1.05/lb equivilant. Does that make 86cent Canadian fats attractive? I don't know the shipping costs but the preference seems to be for cheaper, and lower grade South American beef.
The NFU in Scotland pulled some branded "Scotch Aberdeen Angus" steaks of the shelf in Tesco superemarket a few months back and got them DNA tested, revealing the marker gene that only exists in Bos Indicus cattle! I can safely say that Brahma aren't big in Britain and that stuff probably came from South America. Not only in Canada do you have pirates in the beef production chain.

[cowman]

Willowcreek: I thought MCOOL was dead in the water? Personally I don't think it is a good idea to make it mandatory? If you want to put a label on it "product of the USA" what is stopping you now?
I have no problem with a label saying "Alberta beef" as long as that is what it is! Check out grassfarmers post above about the "Scottish Angus" beef!
I suspect MCOOL would be incredibly expensive? Someone would have to pay the bill, whether the consumer or the rancher...it wouldn't be the packer, feedlot or retailer?
And consider this scenario: Montana calves, custom fed in an Alberta lot(maybe with American corn), slaughtered at an American owned plant in Canada and shipped to an American super market? Would you say that might qualify as "Product of the USA"? Especially if the rancher/owner was an R-CALF member? Be careful what you wish for!

[Willowcreek]

cowman-"And consider this scenario: Montana calves, custom fed in an Alberta lot(maybe with American corn), slaughtered at an American owned plant in Canada and shipped to an American super market? Would you say that might qualify as "Product of the USA"? Especially if the rancher/owner was an R-CALF member? Be careful what you wish for! "

Actually cowman- under the law that passed Congress and the law enacted in Montana they would not be allowed to be marked "Product of USA"...And that part of the rule is easily taken care of with the USDA requirement that any livestock entering the US for reslaughter be tagged and hot iron branded with the C rafter N... Anything wishing to recieve "Product of USA" labeling would need to be born, raised, and slaughtered in the US under the law...
I really think in a few years when Bush/Martin/Fox get their NAFTA super highway built from Mexico thru the States into Canada, so beef products can freely come in from South America, Canadian producers will be wishing they had a COOL in effect...

[Willowcreek]

cowman- Your a person that seems to like to keep themselves informed.. Go to this website link and do some research..
http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=15497

Where you aware this was still in the making?

Then look at the money Cargil/Tyson/Monsanto etal have been pouring into South America and tell me the writing isn't on the wall for cheap Ag products (beef) to be fasttracked north....