TheBeefSite Newsletter - 14 March 2012

TheBeefSite Weekly Newsletter

Wednesday 14th March 2012

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Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial: US Could Lift Ban on Beef Imports, Through Revised BSE Regulations

After years of restricted import markets, last week, the USDA said it is looking to modernise its import regulations for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This could allow the imports of products, which are currently restricted.

New regulations would see the US operating in line with World Organisation for Animal Health's (OIE) guidelines, which are based on the latest science and current knowledge concerning BSE.

The OIE provides guidelines for the safe trade of animals and products based on the country’s risk status and the risk presented by the specific item being traded. For example, under the Code, boneless beef is considered to be lower risk and could be safely imported regardless of the BSE status of the exporting country.

Pressure on the USDA to amend the regulations has been increasing over recent months. Earlier this year, a group of 31 senators pressed the USDA to develop a comprehensive rule, saying that by not having such a regulation in place the US is failing to lead by example and is not abiding by scientific standards.

The US beef industry has welcomed the proposal, saying that current BSE import regulations are hindering trade negotiations and putting US exporters at a disadvantage.

The US National Cattlemen's Beef Association said that some nations, who are limiting or preventing imports of US beef, are using the fact that the US does not have a comprehensive BSE rule, to justify unfair trade barriers.

Trading partners are also encouraged by the USDA's announcement.

Despite already having a strong trade relationship with the US, Canada has welcomed the USDA's proposal and believes that this approach underscores the commitment on both sides of the border to responsibly manage BSE, without placing unnecessary restrictions on trade.

With EU beef exports to the US being banned since 1997, the UK National Beef Association (NBA) has said that the proposal is very encouraging and is the first big step towards the ban being lifted.

Joanne Pugh, NBA Assistant Director, said: “It’s not just that the USA would be an interesting new export market for British beef, it’s the acknowledgement by yet another country that beef from the UK is some of the safest beef in the world."

Last year, 37 non-EU countries opened their doors to British beef.

Irish Agriculture Minister, Simon Coveney has said that the proposal will ultimately provide a tremendous opportunity for grass fed, Irish beef.

Brazil is also hopeful that revised regulations will see the start of Brazilian beef exports to the US.

Charlotte Johnston

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 5 new features this week:

Antibiotic Use in Livestock Under Increased Scrutiny
Antibiotics have been powerful tools in the development of livestock systems that produce a marvelous quantity of economical, safe and nutritious food in the United States. These products are not without risks and drawbacks, however. Increasing opinion mounts to further regulate the ways in which antibiotics are used in livestock, writes W. Dee Whittier, DVM, Jason Carter and Rodney Leech, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

What are the Prospects for Imports from Brazil?
Northern Irish (NI) producers take an ongoing interest in the performance of the Brazilian beef trade and export activity principally because of the potential impact that trade has on the worldwide and local market, writes the Northern Irish Livestock and Meat Commission.

Stocking Density Effects on Steer Performance
The objective of this study, by Iowa State University, was to determine the effects of increased stocking density on performance and carcase characteristics of steers fed in bedded hoop and bedded open front facilities. It determined that market cattle can probably be stocked at 35-37 square foot per steer in hoop barns, with no affect on carcase characteristics.

Australian Beef Production - An Overview
There are 43,763 farms in Australia producing beef cattle, with a national herd of 26.6 million head, according to the Naitonal Farmers' Federation Australia. These farms produce 2.1 million tonnes of beef and veal each year.

Land Application of Livestock and Poultry Manure
Factors affecting the fertiliser value of manure and recommendations for application are covered by Mark Risse, Extension Engineer at the University of Georgia's Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, as well as practical aspects on how much manure can be applied and handling solids in liquid manure.