When one cow was found with BSE in 2003, many of our trading partners closed their borders to our beef.

The goal is to normalize trade relations based on sound science and consumer protection.

There is a tremendous amount of support for the approach we have taken, which again is to base our decisions on risk analysis and thoughtful scientific process.

Growing up on a dairy farm, you certainly learn discipline and a commitment to purpose.

Fortunately, when it comes to meat and poultry, I have the really wonderful situation of having producers and processors that produce and process a very high-quality product.

We had Taiwan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Oman open their markets to our beef, and we're excited about that.

Our job is to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, accurately labeled for the benefit of the American consumers, and to make sure that they are in compliance with all federal laws.