When Japanese Markets Re-Open, Will Your Cattle Be Qualified

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When Japanese Markets Re-Open, Will Your Cattle Be Qualified?

Cattle farmers are anticipating the re-opening of the Japanese markets to US beef. Since December 23, 2003 - the date of the first announced BSE case on US soil - US cattle and beef have been prohibited from entering this lucrative market. After lengthy negotiations and technical discussions between Japan and United States, it appears that Japan will start accepting US beef some time during 2006.

However, not all cattle will qualify as a source of beef for Japanese markets. Cattle that do qualify are likely to be more highly valued at market. However, it may also be more costly for you to meet these requirements. The best decision for you will require some pencil-pushing for your particular situation.

USDA has established guidelines to qualify cattle for Japanese export. To qualify, cattle must be part of a USDA-approved Quality System Assessment (QSA) program. While each program may have unique features, the basic elements will require the producer to identify animals, document birth dates and have a written management system.

In order to find out more about how you can qualify your cattle as a source for eventual beef exports, click below: http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/content/AgeAndSourceVerification.htm

Source: Brian Roe, The Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, The Ohio State University

 

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Market Review -

First, I want to say the market this week was outstanding,1525 cattle brought smoke to the seats and in 3 1/2 hours it was all over. Second, I want to thank Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara Cattlemen for the meeting last Thursday. Marketing, Nutrition, Animal Health were key issues discussed and some important items discussed to bring up at the CCA-NCA joint meeting in Reno were also discussed. Those items were brand inspection fees; there seems to be some inequality in the fee rate where feedlots pay only $.50. There is also some inequality in the fees charged for "on ranch" inspection. The trip charge needs to be looked at more closely. We also came to the conclusion we had some quality people as brand inspectors in our area and we don't want them underpaid. Hopefully we can get some resolution written on these brand issues and out local members can have their input through those resolutions. We also discussed our efforts in transportation. The 40' king pen to rear axle should be a major issue again along with the 55 mile speed limit on trucks. Most trucks are geared to run most efficiently at 70mph. Slow trucks impede the flow of traffic and cost fuel in the process. The cost of membership was also discussed. Again if we plan on keeping our quality personal we just need to pay them good or we will lose them. Every person who is not a CCA member needs to join. At the state level there are only 2 organizations representing us, that is the Farm Bureau and CCA. At the national level it is also the Farm Bureau and the NCCA. We are the largest independent land owner in the US and have the smallest representation in Washington. So we all better join and support the only 2 organization that are looking out for us.

Now to the sale. Jim Poett of Lompoc sold 459# steers at $142.50 and that is not a misprint. Harry Serafin of Hollister sold 584# steers for $124.50 and 492# heifers for $119.00. Ruth Anderson of San Miguel sold 482# steer for $140.00. Eleanor Garcia Morro Bay sold 575# steers for $126.00. ML Ranch of Galt sold 553# steers for $134 and a few sorted off for fair projects brought $141.00 and some fancy black 700# steers brought $108.75. John & Mary Ann Madson of King City sold 480# steers for $131.00. Romaldo Martin of Hollister sold 523# steers for $137.50. San Felipe Ranch of San Jose sold 469# steers for $137.50. Glen Tomasini of San Luis Obispo sold 739# steers for $101.00. Keep in mind the prices were great but nearly everything we sold was source verified and fancy for kind. Our next special is Nov. 15th. See you next week.
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