07/14/05 No ruling in border rule appeal

07/14/05 No ruling in border rule appeal

Washington Ag July 14, 2005 A three judge panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals meeting in Seattle yesterday did not issue a ruling after hearing the USDA's appeal of a temporary injunction that has kept the U.S. border closed to Canadian live cattle. The court reserved judgement in the case. Some members of the Cattle Producers of Washington, who oppose reopening the border, made the trip to Seattle to view the proceedings. The American Meat Institute, which represents packers and wants the border open held a news conference in Seattle following the hearing. Among those who spoke were a representative of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, the mayor of Pasco and an eastern Washington cattle feeder. The Washington Cattle Feeders Association says that without importation of Canadian cattle northwest packing facilities are unable to maintain a steady flow of cattle for processing. It says if northwest packing plants close the ability of cattle feeders in Washington state to remain viable would be in jeopardy. Live cattle from Canada have been banned in the U.S. since Canada had a case of BSE in May of 2003 and a few other cases have followed. Boxed boneless beef from Canadian cattle under 30 months of age is however allowed into the U.S. And most recently the U.S. reported its first case of BSE in a native U.S. cow. A trial in R-CALF USA's lawsuit seeking a permanent injunction against live Canadian cattle is scheduled to begin later this month in Montana. I'm Bob Hoff
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