The mad cow crisis started 20 years ago this week.
In many ways, the beef industry has changed because of the mad cow crisis. Significant improvements have been made in testing and surveillance measures to detect and monitor the presence of BSE. These include stricter protocols for screening cattle, particularly high-risk animals, and improved diagnostic techniques. Additionally, stricter regulations have been implemented regarding the use of animal-derived protein in livestock feed, which was identified as a key factor in the spread of BSE.
However, what has not changed is the dominance of meat packers in Canada. In 2003, when beef prices were incredibly depressed, meat packers were making a fortune as beef retail prices barely changed at all. Prices dropped by about 10% in some markets but went back up again months later. The mad cow crisis started as our own BBQ season was getting underway, so packers and grocers likely didn’t see the point of dropping prices at all.
What the mad cow crisis has shown us is how resilient the beef industry is. Many families had to sell their farms and move to find work as their operations became unprofitable overnight. Canada remains one of the most dominant beef players in the world, despite the heartaches the sector experienced 20 years ago. It’s something to celebrate over a nice, barbecued steak or hamburger.
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