The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning about the use of antibiotics in livestock and urged meat producers to cut back on them because they pose a serious threat to public health. The issue is not that the meat itself is harmful to health or that consumers are ingesting antibiotics with their protein, but that the overuse of antibiotics is diminishing the efficacy of crucial medications needed for human use.
According to the Los Angeles Times, for years, evidence has been mounting that extensive use of antibiotics in livestock, particularly to promote growth or prevent the spread of disease in crowded pens, has resulted in the development of drug-resistant bacteria. The FDA wants meat producers to consult more closely with veterinarians to determine when it is prudent to use antibiotics and which ones to use.
Keystone Processors recognizes and agrees with this concern of using antibiotics on livestock, which is why our Natural Prairie Beef brand is hormone-free and antibiotics are only used when necessary. Keystone Processors is focused on raising the best quality cattle with the benefit of top notch farming practices. Our number one concern is to deliver top quality steaks, tenderloins, roasts, ground beef, burgers and wieners to you and your family.
Let us know what you think of this issued warning. Do you think it will be effective?
Food safety, Government policy, Nutrition
antibiotics, concern, humans, meat producers, medications, Natural Prairie Beef, warning
We were really pleased to hear that on Tuesday, the Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Trade Minister Peter Van Loan announced that Panama has partially re-opened its domestic markets to imports of breeding cattle and bovine genetics.
“The Government of Canada is pleased with Panama’s decision to re-open its market to Canadian cattle exports,” Minister Van Loan said in a statement issued in Ottawa, Ont. “This is great news for Canada’s cattle industry.”
Canada’s cattle industry has been battling to regain access to foreign markets it lost in 2003 with the discovery of the first native born case of BSE.
Ritz said, “Market by market, we are creating more opportunities for farmers to benefit from expanded sales to more consumers around the world.”
The announcement follows the signing of the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement on May 14th. The agreement will eventually allow for duty free access for all Canadian beef to Panama.
Improving access to international markets is extremely important for adding value to Canadian cattle. We’re hopeful it’s a sign that Keystone Processors and Manitoba cattle producers will be able to expand our market and deliver premium, nutritious beef to more tables.
Keystone Processors Ltd. is focused on raising the best quality cattle with the benefit of top notch farming practices. Our goal is to bring branded Manitoba beef products such as Natural Prairie Beef to the world.
Environment, Export markets, Government policy, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef
cattle industry, domestic markets, farmers, Free Trade Agreement, opportunities, Panama
According to an article on blc.cattle.ca, now that the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) is a reality, U.S. retailers are leveraging the label requirements to build unique and differentiated store brands using Canadian beef.
Retailers are recognizing that developing private label and branded beef is important and that Canadian beef can deliver on consistency and quality.
The article states, in a study of U.S. consumers in the fall of 2009, over 76 per cent agreed that Canadian beef is a premium product. As well, 59 per cent agreed with the statement that Canadian beef came from wholesome, natural environment. This preference demonstrates that Canadian beef meets the demands of the U.S. market and enjoys a favourable reputation with American consumers.
Ultimately, we’re against COOL and we would like the U.S. government to rethink this system because we believe it’s an unfair trade practice and is contrary to free trade. However, the silver lining is that BIC is opening the door to more possibilities for Canadian beef producers, like Keystone, to expand their markets eventually. U.S. retailers are promoting Canadian beef as a premium, high-quality beef and we whole-heartedly agree. We need to start marketing Manitoba beef worldwide to build on this existing reputation. That’s why we’re creating one of the most advanced beef plants in North America, so we can broaden our horizons and bring new branded beef products to more premium, niche markets.
Let us know what you think.
Click here to read the full article
Buy Local, Government policy, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release
This week we read in the Manitoba Co-operator that Canada’s cattle herd fell to its smallest size in 15 years last year. Cattle and calves slaughter levels in Canada were down 3.7 per cent compared to 2008. More alarming was the fall in live cattle exports of 31.6 per cent.
These declines are the result of a number of things. It was the first year of mandatory U.S. country-of-origin labelling (COOL). The continued demand for ethanol has caused a surge in grain prices, which means feed costs have skyrocketed. And the higher Canadian dollar has also cut in to profit margins. The result is fewer cattle and fewer cattle producers. Read more…
Export markets, Government policy, Manitoba cattle
COOL, Gerry Ritz, trade
We were really pleased to hear the provincial government has renewed its pledge to support a Buy Local program in Manitoba. The official word came in the speech from the throne last week and it’s very timely indeed. We’re not sure what that support will look like yet, but we’ll be the first in line to sign on to a strong Buy Local program like those that already exist in Ontario and BC and many other places.
Our province has abundant quantities of high quality food. While our climate may not allow us to grow artichokes, broccoli or grapes for wine, we raise some of the best beef, pork and chicken in the world. We also have terrific cheese makers and high quality vegetables, and even some great fruits with our apples and berries.
We believe people should buy local food for the great, fresh taste alone, but there are many other reasons too. Read more…
Buy Local, Government policy, Manitoba cattle
Buy Local
Farmer-owned company to market premium beef from Manitoba farms to the world
Winnipeg, November 2, 2009 – The employees and investors of Keystone Processors Ltd. welcomed Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz to their plant today as he announced his government has conditionally approved the farmer-owned company for a loan of up to $10 million.
Additionally, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Rosann Wowchuk joined Minister Ritz to announce that the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council would increase its investment in the plant by up to an additional $7.5 million. The money will be used to upgrade the former pork plant on Marion Street into a federally-licensed beef slaughter and processing plant.
“These funds are critical for us to move forward with significant plant upgrades, which will eventually allow us to export Manitoba beef across the country and around the world,” said Kelly Penner, President and CEO of Keystone Processors Ltd. “Our company represents Manitoba farmers taking control of their destiny by owning every part of the value chain from farm gate to our customers’ plates.” Read more…
Buy Local, Export markets, Government policy, Kosher and Halal, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release, Nutrition, Online shopping, Uncategorized
kelly penner, MCEC, Minister Gerry Ritz, Minister Rosann Wowchuk
Last month’s decision by the Canadian government to approach the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) is a much appreciated second visit to the WTO on behalf of beef producers in as many months.
The first came after a five year stand-off with South Korea over Korea’s unwillingness to reopen its borders to Canadian beef despite reopening its borders to American beef. Both countries were given the “controlled risk” status for beef by the WTO in 2007 but this new ruling impacted only the U.S./Korea relationship. That battle continues. Read more…
Export markets, Government policy, Manitoba cattle, Uncategorized
Country of Origin Labeling, Gerry Ritz, Stockwell Day
Keystone Processors held its official opening today, marking the occasion with an official ‘tenderloin cutting’ ceremony.
About three dozen guests crowded into the reception area of the plant at 663 Marion Street in Winnipeg to see Keystone Processors President Kelly Penner slice into a finely aged, premium Manitoba tenderloin with Kate Butler, Executive Director of the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council. Read more…
Buy Local, Government policy, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release, Nutrition, Photos, Uncategorized
Agriculture Canada, Dan Wuersch, Dave Angus, Dave Shambrock, Eugene Warwaruk, kate butler, kelly penner, Keystone Processors, Manitoba Food Processors Association, Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, Plains Processors, Rob Harms, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Keystone Processors Ltd. celebrates official opening
Winnipeg, March 10, 2009 – Keystone Processors has completed the first phase of its ongoing renovation and sent its first shipment of Manitoba beef to market. To celebrate the milestone, the company held an official opening today where managers and investors cut into a tenderloin in lieu of the traditional ribbon.
“We’re pleased to be up and running with trucks at our loading docks,” said Corry Berndsen, Keystone Processor’s Vice President of Operations. “This is just phase one done. We’re continuing with our plant upgrades and new construction with a view to having the plant fully operational by 2011.”
Keystone Processors has begun operations processing boneless beef for retail and wholesale operations. Its first customers included Winnipeg Old Country meats and De Luca’s Specialty Foods. Read more…
Export markets, Government policy, Kosher and Halal, Manitoba cattle, News Release
Canadian Food Inspection Agency, corry berndsen, De Luca's Specialty Foods, Winnipeg Old Country
Last month, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture, Gerry Ritz, released details of a new agreement with Hong Kong and India that is proving they are making headway into the Asian beef markets. The new agreement, supported by the Canada Beef Export Federation, will expand bone-in beef cuts exports and beef from animals over 30 months.
It’s nice to see trade barriers fall, but it’s not surprising. Keystone Processors’ business plan calls for the plant to become federally-inspected by 2011, which will give it access to these growing export markets in Asia. Read more…
Export markets, Government policy, Kosher and Halal, Uncategorized
Canada Beef Export Federation, Government of Canada, Halal, Hong Kong, India, Keystone Processors, Kosher
