Idaho Cattle Watching USMCA Talks Closely

Wednesday a big date when it comes to trade for the United States.  July 1st marks the mandatory six-year joint review of USMCA.

If the three nations agree that the updated NAFTA agreement has been beneficial, USMCA will be extended for 16 years.  However, there is doubt the Trump Administration wants to extend USMCA.

We Need Cattle Year Round

The future of USMCA is something the agriculture community has been watching very closely.  Cameron Mulrony, Executive Vice President of the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association said cattle supply is key for American processing facilities and feed yards.

“We need cattle year round. And here in the Northwest, specifically, we kind of have spring calvers that run January through June, and then we switch to fall calves in August," Mulrony said.  "Our dairy cross folks can fill some of the gaps, but there are times where we need some of those cattle from up north to come to keep our processing facilities full all across the nation, not just in the West.  But our proximity to Canada makes it more impactful to our processors.”

Cattle in loading chuts and livestock yard.

We Need Idaho To Continue To Thrive

Mulrony stressed there are times throughout the year where those fat cattle are needed here in the U.S.  And while the future of USMCA is something the cattle industry will be watching very closely.

“The bottom line is we need Idaho's industry to continue to thrive,' Mulrony said.  "And obviously, we want U.S. beef first. But we also understand there is a need to fill that gap. And that's where USMCA has provided, you know, here in the West. I'm hopeful that we'll be able to continue to keep these processing facilities full so they can operate and maintain business as well.”

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