Mandatory country-of-origin labelling on beef hurts the two most important customers of United States, said Greg Doud, chief economist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Canada and Mexico are the primary buyers of U.S. export beef and supply American feedlots and packers with millions of live cattle. “Here we are discussing how we stick our […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Clouds loom in meat sector
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Financial turmoil has made the average beef consumer a shrewd shopper. More ground meat than steak is sold these days and an overall decline in U.S. meat consumption of four pounds per person is anticipated, said the market analysts of Cattlefax at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Phoenix, Arizona. “Our […] Read more
Panel heated by COOL confusion, cost
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The United States has debated country-of-origin labelling for nearly 10 years and some beef industry players say it spells chaos and financial hardship. “It is terrorizing our industry in the northwest,” said cattle feeder Cody Easterday Jan. 29 to the livestock marketing council that represents auction yards and cattle buyers. “We are […] Read more
Buyers, sellers see few benefits
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Mandatory country-of-origin labelling is now United States law, so food producers must deal with it. A COOL panel that included retail and packer representatives said the bill adds to their workload and does not improve profits. The international markets committee at the National Cattlemen’s Association convention in Phoenix, Arizona, heard some of […] Read more
Pork industry promotes Canadian
BANFF, Alta. – Canada does not have a country-of-origin labelling law similar to what the United States has introduced, yet consumer surveys reveal strong loyalty to homegrown products. Pork Marketing Canada has launched a series of print and television advertisements to encourage Canadians to choose more of the domestic product. Program head Roy Kruse said […] Read more
Biosecurity rules often ignored: study
BANFF, Alta. – Most farmers know what biosecurity is but a recent study in Quebec shows few practice it. Doctoral candidate Marie-Eve Lambert of the University of Montreal conducted surveys and on-farm visits to two hog production areas in the Monteregie and Estrie regions of Quebec. More than 120 sites encompassing weaner farms, farrowing and […] Read more
Uncertainty will continue, says banker
DENVER, Colo. – An international banker says the unprecedented global financial crisis with cascading bankruptcies worldwide could continue for another one to three years. “U.S. consumers and consumers around the world have had their confidence shattered,” said Debbie Perkins, managing director of food and agriculture research for Rabobank International. “Consumers are uncertain and it is […] Read more
U.S. ag official sees slow rebound
DENVER, Colo. – The United States has always considered Asia its best meat customer but 2008 export numbers show Mexico and Canada are the beef producing giant’s best friends. Mexico imported $1.2 billion US worth of beef and variety meats while Canadian imports were valued at $700 million. That came as a surprise to retiring […] Read more
Consumers want more without paying more
DENVER, Colo. – Beef is no longer a jumble of calories and nutrients. Europeans want to know where their meat came from, Mexicans want it to be fat free and Americans want a healthy product that is convenient and meets their budgets. The recent International Livestock Congress in Denver analyzed what people want and expect […] Read more
U.S. cattle show brings high prices
DENVER, Colo. – It is hard to believe there is a recession going on in the United States based on the prices paid at the purebred cattle sales at the National Western Stock Show. The Angus bull sale held Jan. 15 saw 19 bulls average $13,015. The high seller went for $75,000 for a two-thirds […] Read more
