Expanding Trade Opportunities Vital For Oregon Cattle Industry

Trade remains one of the top topics of discussion for cattle producers across Oregon.  Jerome Rosa, Executive Director of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association said the recently announced trade deal between the U.S. and Japan will help the local rancher.  He said without a trade deal, American cattle producers face a 38% tariff, which not only puts the U.S. at a disadvantage, butt allows competitors access.

“We’ve seen some of these other countries particularly like Australia step in, and with a more favorable tariffs rate and step in and take some of these markets that are longtime markets, that are really, really hard to get in to .”

While the U.S. and Japan officially announced their trade agreement last month, Rosa said that’s not the only market of importance.  He added he’s hopeful a deal with China will be announced soon.  Rosa said to see the importance of the Chinese market, you can look at 2015 prices, where Oregon cow/calf operators were getting $2.20 to $2.30 per calf.

“And right now, we’re seeing them at $1.20 to $1.30, so a dollar per pound less than they were.  And yet all of the rest of our costs have really increased.  And you know a big part of what we do is export markets.  And that’s an important part of being able to maintain our prices.”

In addition to trade, issues in Salem remain on the minds of producers.  He noted during Legislative Days last week, the Republican party announced new leadership in the state House.

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