Put Another Burger On The Barbe

How long is the American border going to be closed to Canadian beef? Months yet, says Kurt Klein, an agricultural economics professor at the University of Lethbridge (The Calgary Sun). The effect of the beef ban on the Canadian cattle industry is already disastrous but the worst is yet to come. Cattle aren't a commodity with a shelf life; they need to be fed and cared for. Will we see, as one rancher in this article predicts, people shooting their cattle because they can't afford to feed them?

On a more positive note, some fast food retailers such as A&W have announced that they will buy 100 per cent Canadian beef exclusively. I hope more restaurant owners follow suit - and that consumers show their support by buying and consuming as much Canadian beef as possible.

And this past Friday, Alberta announced an extra $79 million in funds to help the province's cattle industry, of which $65 million will go to a program to compensate ranchers and ease pressure on slaughterhouses (Canada.com).