Billings, Mont.-The Montana Cattlemen's Association (MCA) is pleased to learn that a letter signed by eight U.S. Senators has been sent to new Ag Secretary Ed Schafer in opposition to regionalized beef trade with Argentina.

The letter-which was sent out today and organized by Montana Senator Jon Tester (D) - expressed the lawmakers' ire over a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposal to allow certain regions in Argentina to ship meat products into the U.S. market, despite Argentina's documented problems with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

"We have serious concerns about the implementation of such a plan," the Senators wrote. "The USDA would be taking unnecessary risks if it implements this proposed rule, and puts the United States livestock industry and our rural economies in jeopardy."

"FMD is widely considered the most economically devastating of livestock diseases, and a recent study by Kansas State University found that an outbreak in the state of Kansas alone would cost more than $900 million," the Senators explained.

"We have a lot of kinks to straighten out before turning the hose on," said Sen. Jon Tester, a custom butcher from Big Sandy. "I have very serious concerns about easing any restrictions on meat from Argentina, and I've already asked the USDA to take another look at just how harmful an outbreak of FMD in this country could be."

MCA leader Hugh Broadus pointed out that Argentina cannot be trusted to keep FMD from entering the United States. In January, Broadus traveled to Washington D.C. as part of the United States Cattlemen's Association's fly-in to protest the USDA rule.

"Remember, this is a country that sides against U.S. farmers and ranchers in the WTO and intentionally defaults on billions in loans made by U.S. companies," Broadus said. "Why would the USDA reward their bad acts with access to our market?"

Jess Peterson, Governmental Relations Director with the U.S. Cattlemen's Association, explained that the USDA's proposed Argentina rule is currently coming under a lot of fire in Washington, D.C.

"The USDA tried to sneak this proposal by everyone without much fanfare," Peterson said. "Well, it didn't work. Ranchers have taken notice and now members of the House and Senate are working to nip this proposal in the bud. And Montana's representatives are leading the charge to kill this ill-advised scheme."

Senators Mike Enzi (R - Wyoming), John Barrasso (R - Wyoming), Claire McCaskill (D - Missouri), Byron Dorgan (D - North Dakota), Tim Johnson (R - South Dakota), Kent Conrad (D - North Dakota), Pete Domenici (R - New Mexico) also signed the letter to the USDA.

To listen to a Cattlemen's Minute interview with Senator Jon Tester on this issue, please visit our website www.montanacattlemen.org

###