National Cattlemen’s Beef Association members took part in a tri-lateral trade discussion with trading partners from Canada and Mexico Wednesday. Kimball, Minnesota rancher Don Schiefelbein, who is the NCBA policy vice-chairman, says all of agriculture is waiting on ratification of the new trade agreement between the three countries. “Where it might get sticky is if ratification gets into a tough spot and the administration decides to pull the existing NAFTA to force the issue; if that happens, agriculture will fall off really quickly.” North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Past President Warren Zenker, who ranches at Gackle, North Dakota, also sat in on the meeting. “One thing I learned is with TPP, Canada said they don’t have the supply of cattle to fulfill that and they’re looking for northern (U.S.) cattle; that could be very good for us producers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.”
