April 21, 2008

Canadian beef industry wants US$50 million to control mad cow disease
 

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association wants US$50 million from the federal government to help deal with the cost of meeting feed-ban rules made to prevent the disease. 

High feed prices and a strengthening currency, along with the added costs of disposing at-risk carcass parts are placing a heavy burden on producers.

Association President Brad Wildeman warns that without federal financial assistance more producers will get out of the cattle business and lead to the closure of more Canadian packing plants.