Good News July 20th 2005
Judge Cebull's July 27th hearing in U.S. District Court, Montana Division (in Billing's) has been postponed, with the potential that the case may not proceed. The judge wishes time to review the ninth circuit Court of Appeal opinion before he decides on the next step.
The border could have been reclosed with a permanent injunction had the court decision on July 27th gone that way.
Now the border will stay open to live cattle under 30 months of age for slaughter (or feeding to slaughter), for the time being.
This is good news for Canada, but the situation is not completely resolved yet.
Re: Set Aside Program Cattle
Now that the border is open and live cattle have crossed the border, calves enrolled in the Feeder Cattle Set-Aside are released from the program effective immediately. Producers are free to market their calves as they see fit, and there are no slaughter restrictions. All producers with calves enrolled in the program will receive written notification to confirm that their calves are released, but sales of set-aside calves can occur prior to receipt of the letter.
If you have any further questions, you can call the program toll-free number at 1-888-292-5856 or visit the OMAFRA website.
