Nebraska Cattlemen decries unfair rules on U.S. beef to Japan
Monday, February 19, 2007, 2:56 PM
by Peter Shinn
Audio related to this story
AUDIO: Peter Shinn reports (1 min MP3).
The Tyson beef packing plant in Lexington got blacklisted Friday by Japan after accidentally sending 95 pounds of rib meat to Japan. The meat came from cattle under 30 months of age and is otherwise safe. But Japan insists U.S. beef must come from animals 20 months of age or younger.
Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of Nebraska Cattlemen, told Brownfield that Friday's incident shows the rules on shipping beef to Japan just aren't right. "Our trade with Japan is not fair, and it should be," said Kelsey.
Indeed, Kelsey said there's absolutely no reason for Japan's age restrictions on U.S. beef. "Our border with Japan should be open - our beef is safe," Kelsey emphasized. "We have testing procedures, we have strategies in place that keep our beef safe, and so it's frustrating to say the least."
U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns has indicated he wants further talks with Japan on relaxing their restrictions against U.S. beef. Japanese officials haven't yet indicated a willingness to hold such talks.
In the meantime, Tyson has three other beef processing facilities in West Point, York and Norfolk, Nebraska, that will continue to send beef to Japan. Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson told Brownfield Friday the company is working with USDA to get its Lexington plant off Japan's blacklist.
Monday, February 19, 2007, 2:56 PM
by Peter Shinn
Audio related to this story
AUDIO: Peter Shinn reports (1 min MP3).
The Tyson beef packing plant in Lexington got blacklisted Friday by Japan after accidentally sending 95 pounds of rib meat to Japan. The meat came from cattle under 30 months of age and is otherwise safe. But Japan insists U.S. beef must come from animals 20 months of age or younger.
Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of Nebraska Cattlemen, told Brownfield that Friday's incident shows the rules on shipping beef to Japan just aren't right. "Our trade with Japan is not fair, and it should be," said Kelsey.
Indeed, Kelsey said there's absolutely no reason for Japan's age restrictions on U.S. beef. "Our border with Japan should be open - our beef is safe," Kelsey emphasized. "We have testing procedures, we have strategies in place that keep our beef safe, and so it's frustrating to say the least."
U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns has indicated he wants further talks with Japan on relaxing their restrictions against U.S. beef. Japanese officials haven't yet indicated a willingness to hold such talks.
In the meantime, Tyson has three other beef processing facilities in West Point, York and Norfolk, Nebraska, that will continue to send beef to Japan. Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson told Brownfield Friday the company is working with USDA to get its Lexington plant off Japan's blacklist.