Interstate beef trade to be relaxed
U.S. politicians have two bills on the go
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Two bills being debated by federal politicians could open the United States beef market to inter-state trade.
The one would lift the requirement to have the beef processed at a federally inspected meat-packing plant.
The other would provide money to help state packing plants upgrade their facilities.
Robert E. McKnight, Jr., president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, supports the measures, saying “The supply chain challenges brought about by COVID-19 left many consumers hungry for beef they could not find.
“Despite the retail demand, cattle producers could not sell their cattle because of the reduced processing capacity.
“Although temporary, the slowdowns at major beef packers highlighted the need for additional capacity and regulatory flexibility at smaller meat processors.”
Canada has also made provisions for provincially inspected meat-packing plants to gain approvals to sell their meat into other provinces.
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