04/07/06 R-CALF denied again on USDA rule

Washington Ag April 7, 2006 R-CALF USA is expressing deep disappointment over U.S. District Court Judge Richard Cebull's order this week denying R-CALF's petition for a permanent injunction against USDA's rule allowing the import of Canadian cattle and beef. In his order Judge Cebull said his hands were tied by the direction given by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which had reversed his granting of a preliminary injunction against the USDA rule last year. The Cattle Producers of Washington had supported R-CALF in its challenge of the rule. John Masswohl of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association says they of course think Cebull's ruling is great news and could lead to opening the U.S. to cattle and beef from cattle over 30 months of age. Masswohl: "They know that R-CALF would probably sue them again on rule 2 so I think that has got to instill some confidence at USDA. They have a victory under their belt now and that should give them some confidence going forward." U.S. Senator Patty Murray says her amendment to provide 3.9 billion dollars in Agriculture Disaster Relief was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week. Farmers would get a payment of 30 percent of their direct payment and there is 100 million dollars for fruit, vegetable and livestock producers through marketing and promotion assistance. The full supplemental spending bill must be voted on by the entire Senate. I'm Bob Hoff.