Missouri beef may be exported to China sometime soon

<p class="p1">Farming is a way of life for most in the 33rd District – and Missouri as a whole. Through the years, local, state and federal programs, initiatives and legislation have helped farmers and ranchers – and at times hampered their way of life. Recently, an international decades-old ban was lifted that will have a positive impact on the cattle farmers in our region and across the country. In early June, a nearly 14-year ban on American beef exports in China came to an end when President Donald Trump signed an agreement to allow beef producers in the United States to export their products to China.</p><p class="p3"> The U.S. Department of Agriculture explained that cattle producers can begin shipping certain products to China. China imports $2.5 billion in beef every year, and exports from our country are expected to increase over time. </p><p class="p3"> This agreement will be a tremendous asset for Missouri agriculture. Currently, Missouri ranks in the top three states for cattle production, with one in 10 Missouri jobs being related to agriculture creating an estimated $88 billion economic impact. Chinese beef imports totaled 601,000 tons before the American export ban. At that time, the U.S. supplied 80 percent of the beef. </p><p class="p3"> Agriculture is Missouri’s No. 1 industry. This agreement will not only benefit farmers across the state but also countless residents and farmers in the 33rd District. I’m glad to see the president has supported and worked with the Chinese government to allow this export. I anxiously await the benefits beef exports to China will have on our region.</p><p class="p3"> If you would like to visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have questions, please contact my Capitol office at 573-751-1882.</p>

Sen. Mike Cunningham