USDA Announces Buy
Of $2M In Roast Beef

WASHINGTON — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced on Monday that the agency has purchased $2,065,000 worth of beef roasts to help improve prices to cattle producers. The buy was part of a $30 million bonus beef purchase announced March 24.

Glickman said this first purchase of high-quality beef roasts will help bolster prices for the fed beef industry which is currently operating at below break-even levels.

Traditional purchases of ground beef products conducted by the department generally benefit the cow segment of the beef industry.

"This latest purchase reflects USDA's continuing support for the entire cattle industry, especially those sectors most impacted by current economic conditions," said Glickman. "In addition, this meat cut will be enthusiastically received by recipients of the department's food and nutrition assistance programs."

Next offers are due under Invitation 39 on April 24. Purchases of beef roasts will continue into late May, with deliveries made throughout the summer.

USDA will begin traditional purchases of ground beef items for delivery in the National School Lunch Program in early July for delivery in August.