Betty Jo Gigot, Editor and Publisher

Another panel of judges has made a decision about the beef industry’s future. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to get back to having some control over my destiny without lawyers, judges and people who have BSE-testing kits for sale having a say in how I do my business.

The people I interviewed for the cover story about the ripple effect the Canadian border closing has had on not only families, but entire communities – indeed, an entire industry – makes one ponder. They were not bitter. They were more puzzled and asked if, in fact, all producers here in the U.S. hated them as much as it appeared from the on-going aggressive actions against them. They truly believed that when we said that science would reign, we meant it. Now, as the smoke clears, we will see if common sense can prevail and let us all get back to the business of producing beef as safely and economically as we can without interference from outside forces.

The news of the opening of the Canadian border came swiftly from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and took the industry by surprise. The fact that the border opened so quickly and quietly was yet another surprise.

After a visit with the Schaus family of Ontario for this issue’s cover story, we got to write an update on the status up there and Wally Schaus’s reaction as the first load of cattle went across the border. Interestingly, they came from his company. There are still a number of issues to be settled, including the opening of the Japanese market. Perseverance seems to be the key in resolving these border issues; if there is one thing that the Canadians have learned from this whole exercise, it is perseverance.

  

Part of our trip up north involved a stop in El Paso, Ill. Now El Paso is not exactly on the beaten path, but they did have a nice place to park the Gypsy Wagon and I was teasing Happy the Bus Driver about eating at the local McDonald’s when we saw a sign for The Range Restaurant. Imagine Chicago’s finest dining in a town of fewer than 3,000 people. Boz Emini, a Chicago export, said that he had decided to see if he could build a successful business out in the country. He seems to be doing a great job of it since people flock there from the surrounding area, including Peoria, for his outstanding food. I had a Manhattan Stuffed Maytag Blue Cheese New York Strip Loin with the best French onion soup possible. So if you happen to be driving across Illinois on Highway 24, or any place close, go see Boz. I highly recommend it.

  

I was a bit concerned about attending the Intervet meeting with 45 feedlot-consulting veterinarians. I had a bad experience once when I attended the World Meat Congress. I spent five days listening to the experts, never understanding two words, and part of it was even in English. Anyway, the Intervet presentations were concise and understandable and added a great deal to my knowledge of the bugaboos that haunt our herds. It was an enjoyable time.

  

We have a new writer this issue. LaRayne Meyer is a freelance author from Pilger, Neb,. and worked on the committee for the Cattleman’s Ball she reported on. You will see more of her in issues to come.