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Cattlemen’s CEO says there’s no need to increase beef imports into the US
There’s been rising concern that the disruption to the US food supply chain from COVID-19 could lead to increased imports of beef into the US.
Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says that isn’t likely. “We don’t see any need for exports of Brazilian beef or Australian beef to come into the US and try to satisfy the US needs,” he says. “We don’t have a US nationwide beef shortage.”
He tells Brownfield the implementation of the Defense Production Act will help processing facilities find some stability. “That will continue to ensure that,” he says. “Because we have plenty of cattle. The cattle are there and we’re not going to run out of meat.”
As of Wednesday, US beef slaughter is down just 1 percent year to date. But, from April 3rd is down around 23 percent compared to the same period a year ago.
Earlier this week South America’s largest beef exporter said they’re hoping to boost their sales into the US as the coronavirus outbreak continues to wreak havoc on the food supply chain across the US.
AUDIO: Colin Woodall, CEO National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
I would like to know who exactly, aside from foreign interests, is bringing this idea forward. With a glut of cattle needing slaughtered what genius wants to import more?