Russian market reopens to U.S. beef
UNITED STATES - A bilateral trade agreement signed last month by the U.S. and Russia is expected to mark the return of U.S. beef exports to that market and possibly help producers here who are saddled with higher feed costs
8 December 2006
1 minute read
Russia ban ned imports of U.S. beef in 2003 due to BSE concerns but recently agreed to re open its market to shipments of U.S. beef and beef products from cattle younger than 30 months of age.
Russia in 2003 was the fifth-largest export market for U.S. beef, importing more than 140 million pounds valued at roughly $53 million.
Reclamation of the Russian market and other markets previously lost to BSE-related bans this year could be critical to U.S. beef producers who are faced with higher feed costs, according to Cimeron Frost, a Menard County cattle producer and director of industry programs for the Illinois Beef Association.
“Anytime you can open more markets and move more products, it’s really important,” Frost said at the Illinois Commodity Conference. “Especially now with $3.50 corn when the cost to raise and finish a steer has gone up immensely.”
The Russian market could take on added significance as it was the former No. 1 ex port market for U.S. beef livers.
Source: Farm Week
