Normalizing Live Cattle Trade In North America
The U.S. Mexican and Canadian governments announced yesterday that an agreement was reached to permit live cattle trade between the three countries that is consistent with OIE (international animal health organization) standards. Since Mexico closed the border to U.S. cattle after BSE was confirmed in late 2003, the Mexicans have delayed reopening the border despite OIE determination of controlled risk status in May 2007. Mexico has allowed limited importation of young dairy heifers for several months. A recent agreement between Mexico and Canada allowed for a flow of Canadian cattle across the U.S. into Mexico while U.S. cattle were still restricted. Texas and other states bordering Mexico declined to allow Canadian cattle to pass through those states without an agreement for U.S. cattle. This action prompted swift and intensive meetings that led to the new agreement.
Allowing U.S. and Canadian breeding cattle into Mexico will benefit all three countries. Many Mexican producers have been calling for access to more breeding stock to help rebuild depleted herds. The intensity of domestic Mexican beef markets and strong exports of feeder cattle have resulted significant shortages of breeding females in some areas in Mexico in recent years. Obviously, sellers, especially purebred breeders in the U.S. and Canada will have new market potential to meet the Mexican demand for breeding stock. The agreement also strengthens the position of all three NAFTA partners with respect to seeking science-based access to other countries.
Source: Derrell S. Peel, OSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist