Canada reviews US feeder cattle import restrictions
In a recent communication, the US Embassy in Ottawa said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is nearing the end of a risk assessment that would allow U.S. feeder cattle to be imported all year round.
Under the Northwest Cattle Project, which is aimed at preventing the spread of disease, imports of feeder cattle are only allowed between October and March - and then from selected U.S. states only.
During the Northwest Cattle Project's 2000/2001 season, Canada imported a record 204,000 head of feeder cattle - up more than 13 percent over the 1999/2000 season. Alberta feedlot industry watchers say that if all year round imports are introduced, the number of U.S. feeder animals moving north will increase by between 30,000 and 50,000 head per year. The risk assessment followed on from lobbying by the Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association.
