Can Canadian cull cows fill the beef import gap?
Possibly, say Canadian industry experts. But, in Ontario’s case, first we need a packing plant to kill cows and, second, we need consistency of supply by DON STONEMAN The BSE crisis that has gripped the country since last spring has pulled the export crutch out from under the beef industry and the rose-coloured glasses from producers’ eyes. While Canada watched its beef exports grow by leaps and bounds over the last 18 years, imports were mounting as well. In 2002, one of every three pounds of beef consumed in Canada was imported. On a per capita basis, imports have more than doubled since 1985, and Canada imports twice as much beef per capita as does the United States. Meanwhile, consumption has fallen behind that of our neighbour to the south. Per capita consumption in Canada in 2002 was 65.4 pounds on a carcass weight basis. On average, Americans eat 19 pounds more beef per year than Canadians. BEEF EXPORTS FROM CANADA – 000 lbs. (excludes veal) BEEF EXPORTS TO CANADA – 000 lbs. (ex
