Effects Of Mad Cow Crisis Still Linger In Canada's Beef Industry, Says Census

New Statistics Canada numbers show that the size of Canada's beef herd increased to 15.8 million as of May 16, 2006 - nearly two per cent higher than in 2001. "This has taken the glow off of the cattle market," said Hrasko, 71, who operates a cow-calf operation with two of his sons west of Edmonton. "You don't have people buying and selling cattle optimistically." While the partial reopening of the U.S. market to younger cattle in 2005 has bolstered prices somewhat, the border remains closed to cattle over 30 months of age and to live breeding stock - the segments of Canada's beef herd responsible for most of the increase to the overall herd. From Hrasko's small family farm to sprawling industrial feedlots and high-tech beef packing plants, BSE has brought massive change to the industry and to Canadian supermarkets and supper tables. http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=c77a70a2-efd8-4de9-954b-1b8cb5b47e42&k=70770

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