Gregg Doud, chief economist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, has just returned from Seoul, South Korea, where negotiations over market access for U.S. beef did not make a great deal of progress.

Cut #1 :15  Outcue: "...on market access."

Doud says with deadlines looming for a proposed U.S.-Korea free trade agreement, a tremendous amount of work must be done in a very short period of time. Many tough decisions must now be made at the highest levels of government.

Cut #2 :25  Outcue: "...happen next week."

Doud reaffirmed that without resolution of the beef trade issue, the whole free trade agreement is “dead on arrival” in Washington.

Cut #3 :40  Outcue: "...it’s about time."

He says consumer demand for beef is strong in Korea, and it’s a market well worth fighting for.

Cut #4 :25  Outcue: "...in the beef industry."

Doud noted the extremely high food prices are now drawing more attention in Korea, and people are starting to realize how protectionist policies are hurting Korean consumers.   

Cut #5 :37  Outcue: "...is very refreshing."