ARKANSAS CITY, KS (May 30, 2007) – Creekstone Farms Premium Beef (“Creekstone”) responded today to an appeal filed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) of the March 29, 2007 federal court decision handed down in Creekstone’s favor regarding voluntary testing for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) commonly referred to as “mad cow” disease.
The March 29th decision by Judge James Robertson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, concludes that it is unlawful for USDA to prevent Creekstone from testing its cattle for BSE. Judge Robertson’s order stayed the decision until June 1, 2007 to allow the USDA an opportunity to decide whether to appeal. (Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, LLC v. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, et al., Civil Action No. 06-0544).
Dennis Buhlke, Creekstone’s President and CEO had these comments regarding the USDA’s appeal. “In refusing to allow Creekstone Farms to respond to its customers’ preference for beef from animals that have been tested for BSE, the USDA is doggedly pursuing a course that scientists, consumer groups, trade associations and business, and members of Congress regard as a bad policy.” “While Creekstone Farms has taken a lead role in this effort, it is not alone in believing that the government should not prevent private companies from voluntarily testing cattle for BSE.”
Mr. Buhlke added, “Although we are disappointed, we are not surprised by USDA’s decision to appeal.” “Beginning in February 2004, Creekstone has tried to work with USDA to find a way to voluntarily test its cattle for BSE.” “For more than two years prior to filing our lawsuit, we attempted to work cooperatively with USDA.” “We still hope to convince USDA to work with Creekstone on a voluntary BSE testing program. However, Creekstone Farms will continue to pursue our right to test even in the wake of this latest action by the USDA.”
The March 29th decision by Judge James Robertson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, concludes that it is unlawful for USDA to prevent Creekstone from testing its cattle for BSE. Judge Robertson’s order stayed the decision until June 1, 2007 to allow the USDA an opportunity to decide whether to appeal. (Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, LLC v. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, et al., Civil Action No. 06-0544).
Dennis Buhlke, Creekstone’s President and CEO had these comments regarding the USDA’s appeal. “In refusing to allow Creekstone Farms to respond to its customers’ preference for beef from animals that have been tested for BSE, the USDA is doggedly pursuing a course that scientists, consumer groups, trade associations and business, and members of Congress regard as a bad policy.” “While Creekstone Farms has taken a lead role in this effort, it is not alone in believing that the government should not prevent private companies from voluntarily testing cattle for BSE.”
Mr. Buhlke added, “Although we are disappointed, we are not surprised by USDA’s decision to appeal.” “Beginning in February 2004, Creekstone has tried to work with USDA to find a way to voluntarily test its cattle for BSE.” “For more than two years prior to filing our lawsuit, we attempted to work cooperatively with USDA.” “We still hope to convince USDA to work with Creekstone on a voluntary BSE testing program. However, Creekstone Farms will continue to pursue our right to test even in the wake of this latest action by the USDA.”