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says this
visit was important for state and national beef producers. "The
first group came to confirm the age of the cow, and that put us over the
first big hurdle," said Dr. Powell.
At
press time, the next team of Korean experts was expected to tour
processing facilities that will supply beef to Korea. Powell said,
"That visit would not have happened had the first one not gone
well. I’m very confident that trade will resume soon," Powell
said.
Once
the third largest buyer of American beef, South Korea stopped buying US
beef in December of 2003 when a dairy cow in Washington state was
diagnosed with BSE. With the discovery of a BSE positive cow in Alabama
in March, many feared the worst for US beef exports worldwide; but
Powell says the beef industry is moving in the right direction.
"Obviously
we want foreign nations to get back to buying our beef. South Korean
imports are a significant factor in the global market for US beef. A
number of markets closed in 2003 with the first US case of BSE, and each
one that reopens is a step in the right direction. The production cycle
of beef is on an increase, and we need the foreign markets to keep that
cycle profitable. We hope that the reintroduction of US beef to South
Korea will speed similar actions with markets in Japan and China,"
said Dr. Powell.
Powell
says he hopes US consumers will take notice of South Korea’s
confidence as well. "This is one more reassurance that the United
States has one of the safest beef supplies in the world. Their
confidence with our protocol means we are taking the proper measures to
ensure a domestic food supply of continuing quality," he added.
Recent
information from the USDA bears out the safety of US beef. Based on data
from their Enhanced BSE Surveillance Program, which tests animals most
likely to have the disease, the USDA estimates the number of BSE cases
present in the US to be between 4 and 7, or less than 1 case per million
adult cattle.
Alabama
has 25,000 farms that produce beef, with 1.3 million head of cattle and
calves.
According
to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, US Beef exports to Korea
totaled more than $800 million in 2003. With the market in South Korea
indicating an increase in beef consumption since that time, the
resumption of beef exports to South Korea shows great promise for beef
producers in Alabama and the nation at large.
Korean
officials have indicated that US beef exports could begin as early as
June, which is good news for beef producers. Perry Mobley, Alabama
Farmers Federation Beef Division Director, says foreign markets consume
approximately 10 percent of all beef produced in the United States, and
reductions in demand for American beef could lead to an oversupply,
driving down the price of cattle.
"Alabama
producers are no different than producers elsewhere in the United
States. Global marketplace fluctuations affect our producers just as
they do anyone else, and Southeastern producers are already at a slight
price disadvantage to those in the West and Midwest due to
transportation costs of feeder cattle to feed lots," Mobley said.
Mobley
said he too is optimistic the visit scheduled for late May will mean
greener pastures for American beef producers.
"The
South Koreans have not officially reopened their borders to American
beef, but they are indicating they will. They have a 16-day fact-finding
tour of 37 U.S. beef slaughter and packing facilities scheduled for late
May. Following this trip, we are hopeful the South Koreans will resume
beef trade with the United States," said Mobley.
Kellie
Henderson is a freelance writer from Troy. |
