On Monday the US Department of Agriculture released requirements for exporting of beef to China. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO, Matt Deppe, says this is a big step forward for the industry and provides a better understanding of the beef products that will be accepted. The requirements are more stringent than exports to other international destinations, with the beef from cattle required to be less than 30 months of age, born and raised in the United States, Mexico or Canada, they must have been slaughtered in the United States and they must be free from growth promotants, feed additives and other chemical compounds including ractopamine. “There can be more costs associated with these programs, but there can also be more profit,” Deppe says. “Regardless, the programs are voluntary and it will be up to individual producers to decide whether participation in a process-verified program works for them.” U.S. beef has not been allowed in China since 2003. Other key importers of U.S. beef include Japan, Mexico and South Korea.
