The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association held their Semi-Annual Meeting last week in PEI.
President Dave Solverson says the board was able to see how cattle are raised in that area of the country as well as review policy, legislation and discuss some key issues like COOL.
"We're thinking we're in the home stretch now when the final ruling of the panel at WTO comes down or comes made public we will proceed from there. But things are looking like there's light at the end of the tunnel," said Solverson.
Solverson says news of the WTO ruling could be released next month.
"Indications are that we should be heading into an expansion stage. I think it's important to, if not expand, at least not contract our industry any more because then we are at risk of loss of infrastructure, packing plants and all that. There's a strong global demand for red meats, beef in particular, and I think we have some good years ahead," said Solverson.
He see’s real opportunity for some cash infusion into the cow-calf sector this fall adding they haven’t had much chance to benefit from the strength in the market yet.
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz also addressing the group saying it was time for the U-S based COOL program to go.
He says if successful at the WTO, Canada will target $1 billion of U.S. exports for retaliatory tariffs.
Source: SteinbachOnline