Montana farmers supportive
The U.S. border remains closed to Canadian beef, but if sympathetic Americans have their way, it won't be for long.
"The grass is the same on both sides of the border, the grain's the same, the farmers are the same and as far as I can tell, the beef's the same," said Hank Zell, a Montana rancher who lives just south of Coutts, Alta.
Farmers from that state lent their support yesterday in Coutts, hoping it will encourage American officials to reopen the border.
"I think we're all frustrated with Japan's position on this because they're making it a political issue," said Steve Pilcher, on the executive of the Montana Stockgrower's association.
"If nothing else, though, we want to express our moral support for the Canadian beef industry -- we're extremely sympathetic to their hardship," Pilcher said.
Down in Cut Bank, Mont., about 160 km south of Coutts, local chamber of commerce president Ray Jennings was aware of the Coutts rally and added the community is sympathetic to Canada's plight.
"We're all affected by this because we're close to Canada and we have lots of the same interests -- our local economy depends on the beef industry too," he said.
Ron Jensen, another Montana rancher, said, "I think this border would have been re-opened already if it wasn't for (Prime Minister Jean) Chretien."
