United States Cattle Association Applauds News on China Market Access Opening this Month

Jun 13, 2017

The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) concluded its annual fly-in to Washington, D.C. this week. With over 30 producers from across the country making the trip out to discuss issues of importance to the U.S. cattle industry, a main talking point throughout the week’s meetings was trade, notably the importance of reestablishing trade with China.

Today’s announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a significant moment for producers across the country. Market access to China, for chilled or frozen beef, processed under the age of 30 months, has now been granted.
The provisions of the agreement include specific mention to hormones, trace residue, and overall herd health; and a mandate on origin information for any product entering the market. U.S. producers and the industry must work together to ensure these criteria are met, thereby securing this needed market access for years to come.

USCA President Kenny Graner commented on the news, “We were briefed by the Administration during our fly-in on the status of the agreement and it comes as welcome news to all producers that we have once again secured this important market.”

“USCA would like to thank the Administration and staff at USDA who have remain committed to securing this access for producers since the ban was put in place in 2003. The individuals who have led on these negotiations have never wavered and for that, U.S. cattle producers will now enjoy the potential of an ever growing, and ever demanding marketplace for U.S. beef.”

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Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.