BOISE, Idaho (RFD News) — July 1 marks the start of the mandatory six-year joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and grain and cattle groups are hoping to see the trade pact renewed.
Cameron Mulrony with the Idaho Cattle Association says the agreement is important for keeping beef processing facilities supplied throughout the year.
“We need cattle year-round. Here in the Northwest, specifically, we have spring calvers that run January through June, and then we switch to fall calves in August. Our dairy cross folks can fill some of the gaps, but there are times when we need some of those cattle from up north to come and keep our processing facilities full all across the nation, not just in the West. Our proximity to Canada makes it more impactful to our processors.”
Mulrony says the future of the USMCA is something the cattle industry will be watching closely in the coming days and weeks.
“The bottom line is we need Idaho’s industry to continue to thrive, and, obviously, we want U.S. beef first. We also understand there is a need to fill that gap, and that’s what USMCA has provided 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.”
Leaders from the United States, Canada and Mexico will now decide whether the USMCA will be extended for another 16 years. If not, the agreement will expire on July 1, 2036.
