WTO to Probe Canada Complaint Against Korean Beef Ban

Aug 31, 2009

The World Trade Organization agreed today to decide whether a South Korean ban on imports of Canadian beef imposed six years ago during an outbreak of so- called mad cow disease breaks global trade rules.

South Korea halted Canadian beef imports in May 2003 after Canada reported its first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE, which has been linked to more than 150 human deaths worldwide. Eating meat from BSE-infected animals has been tied to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, an incurable human illness that destroys brain tissue. Canada has reported 16 cases of mad cow disease.

Before the ban was imposed, South Korea was the fourth- largest market for Canadian beef, with annual shipments valued at C$50 million ($46 million). South Korea reopened its market to beef from the U.S. in June 2008 after also barring it in 2003 during a mad cow scare.

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Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.