S. Dakota Governor
Donates To R-CALF

PIERRE, S.D. —(AP)— South Dakota Gov. Bill Janklow announced Friday that he will give $75,000 to a legal effort that is seeking to end alleged unfair trade in cattle.

The money will go to lawyers hired by the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Foundation, known as R-CALF, Janklow said.

When the governor made the announcement, he was joined by a number of state lawmakers who had sponsored a bill that sought to provide state money to R-CALF.

R-CALF filed petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce charging that Canada and Mexico have engaged in unfair trade practices. Farmers and ranchers say cattle imported into the United States are undercutting American cattle prices.

Federal officials have agreed to look into the matter.

Only a few days ago, the governor's staff opposed the bill that sought to give state money to R-CALF.

But Janklow on Friday said he will provide $75,000 from a jobs program in his office. The battle on cattle trade involves jobs on ranches, packing plants and trucking businesses, he said.

Janklow noted that he shares R-CALF's opinions on unfair trade. He stopped Canadian trucks carrying grain and livestock from entering the state last fall.

``I probably single-handedly started a lot of this stuff when I banned Canadian trucks last year,'' he said.

As the result of the truck blockade, federal officials started discussions with Canadian trade officials. Some agreements have been reached, and further negotiations continue, Janklow said.

Officials of R-CALF have said the organization has raised about $825,000. Legal fees are $120,000 a month, and the effort may cost up to $1.9 million, they said earlier this week.