The USDA this week announced the reopening of Brazil for U.S. beef exports. The opening of the Brazil market is the first since it was closed in 2003 due to BSE concerns. R CALF CEO Bill Bullard says Brazil produces enough of its own beef so this opening won’t do much for U.S. cattle producers.

He says prior to the 2003 ban, the U.S. never shipped much beef to Brazil.

Bullard says with trade being a two way street, the opening for U.S. beef into Brazil doesn’t accomplish much and it also allows for Brazilian beef into the U.S. which puts our herds at risk for diseases like BSE and Foot and Mouth.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has a different view on the Brazil market opening. He says that market offers excellent long term potential for U.S. beef exporters.