Dave Klippenstein voiced a sentiment shared by many in Western Canada’s farm industry this week.
Although relieved the governors of South Dakota and other northern states of the United States had likely agreed to stop interfering with Canadian grain and livestock moving south, he wants assurances similar episodes won’t occur.
“I think the governor of South Dakota should be held accountable to someone for his actions,” said Klippenstein, a dispatcher for D & D Livestock, a trucking company based in Moose Jaw, Sask. “I would be very disappointed if this thing was just dropped and forgotten.”
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Trouble at the border
For the past two weeks, South Dakota blocked Canadian trucks carrying livestock and grain. Other states, including North Dakota, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana and Wyoming, increased inspections of Canadian trucks as well, and Minnesota was pondering continued action at press time.
The states allege that unfair trade practices give Canadian farmers a competitive edge over American farmers.
South Dakota’s actions forced Canadian trucks carrying cattle and hogs to detour around that state. The detours meant some higher freight costs to Canadian producers.
“Obviously there’s a lot of frustration about what occurred in South Dakota,” said Dennis Laycraft, executive vice-president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. “But our emphasis now will be on rebuilding the good relationship that has normally existed in the trade.”
In recent weeks, there was talk that Canada should have retaliated with trade barriers of its own. Perry Mohr, marketing manager of Manitoba Pork, said he is glad Canada’s agriculture minister pressed for a more diplomatic approach.
