A resolution promoted by the Nebraska Cattlemen at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention this week in Texas seeks to secure an advantage for U.S. beef producers over competitors from other countries selling beef to South Korea.

According to the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska is the leading beef export state in the nation and South Korea is the third largest market, with potential to become the number one market.

“International beef trade is very important to long-term profitability for Nebraska producers and the U.S. beef industry,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Bill Rishel, a North Platte rancher. “International trade positively impacts farm and ranching families and rural communities across the U.S. It creates and sustains jobs.”

Rishel said the U.S. – South Korean Free Trade Agreement is one of the most important bilateral trade agreements in the history of the U.S. beef industry because it will reduce South Korea’s 40 percent tariff on all beef imports to zero percent in equal increments over 15 years.

He said competitors such as Australia are rapidly working with South Korea to finalize their own bilateral free trade agreements.

If they are initiated, Rishel said, before the U.S. – South Korea FTA, U.S. beef producers would be locked into a disadvantage for 15 years in this important market.

“Conversely, if we ratify before another country, U.S. beef producers will have a competitive advantage for 15 years,” Rishel said.

He said the resolution the Nebraska Cattlemen will propose that the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association adopt strongly insists “Congress immediately ratify the South Korean Free Trade Agreement.”

 “This is about a huge opportunity for Nebraska and U.S. beef producers, but it involves a small window. Both the U.S. and Korea officials negotiated the agreement, and it is vitally important that Congress approve it,” Rishel said.

U.S. beef exports to South Korea peaked at $815 million in 2003. In 2009, through November, sales were $186 million. Sales have been lagging because of the December 2003 discovery of the one case of BSE in the U.S.

“Korean beef retailers say they want Nebraska and U.S. beef,” Rishel said. “Approving the agreement can mean $200 million in Nebraska annually. We believe Congress should approve the agreement because it will impact farm and cattle families and communities throughout Nebraska and the U.S., now and for many years to come.”