CALGARY, Alta. – Year-round feeder cattle imports are on the way, but the U.S. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) isn’t happy with the process.

The NCBA is threatening trade action against Canada, as they feel it’s unfair that Canada should require jurisdictions to prove they are scientifically a low-risk region for certain diseases before they will be allowed year-round trade.

“There’s growing frustration south of the border,” says Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) chair of the animal health committee, Arno Doerksen.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expected to soon release the results of their risk assessment of year-round imports. The CCA is hoping the results will be favorable, meaning year-round cattle trading can begin as soon as possible. n