Red, White and Blue Cattle

Brought to its knees roughly a year ago following the first detection of so-called mad cow disease, Canada’s cattle industry is hoping for a rebound. But the price may be an increasingly American-dominated industry.

Tens of thousands of Canadian cattle have been sold to U.S. interests following the mad cow detection and the subsequent ban on Canadian beef exports by more than 30 countries.

“They’re doing what they have to do to survive. They really don’t have any other choice,” said Ron Axelson of the Alberta Cattle Feeders.

The economic turmoil following the detection of mad cow disease has cost Canada’s industry more than $2 billion in exports alone. The effect on rural communities and Canada’s agricultural sector is expected to costs billions more.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at May 18, 2004 08:55 AM | TrackBack