Dear Consigners, Truckers, and Buyers:
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman, announced December 31,2003 that effectively immediately USDA will ban all downer cattle from the human food chain. Thus, cattle that are non-ambulatory (USDA has defined non-ambulatory as disabled and unable to stand, walk or rise on the own will no longer be accepted for slaughter.
In light of this announcement, effective immediately our market facility will no longer permit non-ambulatory cattle to be off-loaded at our livestock market nor will they be sold for slaughter. For those cattle that go down after entering the market and assuming the market hasn't done anything to cause the animal to go down, USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration has advised us that the consignor of that animal retains title to that animal until the gavel goes down and thus any cost associated with euthanasia and disposal of the animal is borne by the consignor. (Consult your local veterinarian and/or extension agent for advice on good husbandry practices to prevent injury or conditions that may weaken or cause livestock to become non-ambulatory.) If the animal goes down after the gavel falls, the risk transfers to the buyer and again, assuming the market has not done anything to cause the animal to do down, the buyer is responsible for any cost associated with euthanasia or disposal of the animal.
Prior to disposition of an animal that goes down in our facility, we will attempt to contact you to determine what disposition you wish to be made of the animal, i.e. euthanized and disposed of, or arrangements made to have the animal returned to your farm or ranch. If we are unable to contact you by the close of sale day, the animal will be properly and humanely euthanized and disposed of in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations and you will be billed for any associated cost.
We appreciate your business and wish to continue to market your cattle for you. If you have any questions regarding the USDA's policy on non-ambulatory cattle, please give us a call.
Sincerely,
George & Jo