Comment from Aaron Taber

After review the proposed rule change, as well as reviewing the risk assessment compiled by the USDA, I support the proposed rule change. It is evident by the information contained in the proposed rule change and the risk assessment that this amendment has been carefully researched by the agency, and would be beneficial to the cattle industry. First, I believe that the new proposed San Luis , AZ port would have a strong economic impact on both sides of the border in the San Luis area. It also appears that there will not be an increase in the amount of cattle that are imported annualy from Mexico. This means that the amendment will not have an adverse effect on the US cattle industry, which is very important. Additionally, it appears that this new facility would also actually help decrease the number of fever tick infested cattle that enter the US. The port will have new chutes and new dipping and testing procedures that will reduce the number of infected cattle. And, for the small number of cattle that do get into the US that are infected, they will continue to be shipped to areas that are difficult for fever ticks to reproduce and live in. I think that it is important to note that the ultimate destination for these cattle will not be changed. This rule simply proposes to add a new port for entry into the US. Overall, I agree with the proposed amendment. It will save farmers a great deal in transportation costs, increase the economy in the Southwestern region of the US and will not adversely effect the US cattle industry. If I do have one area of concern, it is that a few years down the line, with the new San Luis port in full operation, the US government decides that it would be easy to maintain and handle a higher influx of imported Mexican cattle. This increase in imported cattle would injure the US cattle industry. However, I am sure that this is an issue that the USDA has foreseen and realize how harmful that would be to our own economy. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to comment and look forward to seeing the final promulgated rule. Very Truly Yours, Aaron Taber