DB-Lancaster Farming Saturday, September 5,* 15187 Japan will increase its 1987 fis cal year beef import quota by 37,000 metric tons (MT), a 21 per cent hike, reports the U.S. Meat Export Federation (MEF). This move by the Japanese government, the first of its kind since the import quota was negotiated in 1984, is aimed in part at helping Japan meet its growing demand for high quality beef. An upturn in consumer demand for beef and recent changes in market conditions are the reasons behind the quota increase. “The Japanese consumer is becoming better educated about the quality of Ephrata Fair Receives Funds EPHRATA The Ephrata Far mer’s Day Association has received a $1,515 matching grant as reimbursement for a land purch ase made in 1980 which expanded the Ephrata Fair grounds, accord ing to Sen. Noah W. Wenger, R-36. ‘The Ephrata Fair is the largest fair held in Lancaster County and the largest street fair in the state,” said Wenger. “This fair and others throughout the Commonwealth offer wholesome entertainment for people of all ages.” According to Wenger, sixty three Pennsylvania agricultural fairs will receive matching fund AGITATORSI||H V) AUGERS FEED BINS * *** \\ ' Y aFs s;i Japan Increases Beef Import Quotas U.S. beef, largely as a result of MEF’s meat promotional efforts,” says Phil Seng, MEF Asian Direc tor. “With the help of recent Targeted Export Assistance funds, we’ve been able to explain the ben efits of U.S. meat directly to the Japanese consumer.” Seng also said prices for Japan ese cattle are at their highest levels. In order to bring a downward pres sure on prices and to meet increased consumer demand, the Japanese government is importing more beef. Although Japan did not specify which countries would fill the grants. The grants are to be used for a variety of projects which have been undertaken by fair sponsors to improve buildings and grounds, build new facilities, or purchase land. Wenger said, this year $2.5 mil lion was allocated to the Fair Fund to be used to reimburse local fair, 4-H and FFA organizations for operating expenses associated with their annual events. The grants for the fair ground improve ments were made available from balances remaining in the Fair Fund. mbrlf i . H 1" ’j| 8 ',•s**% automatic farm systems 608 Evergreen Rd., Lebanon, PA 17042 (717)274-5333 Cheek Our Low Prices Before You Bus P “p j '“‘•l* T ' * 4f . I ♦* « additional quota, it is likely half of the amount purchased would be U.S. grain-fed beef. This move may be an attempt to help ease trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan. The beef quotas were estab lished 24 years ago when Japan • Tie Stall & Free Stall Complexes • Heifer & Veal Barns • Machinery Sheds • Metal Buildings For Commercial Use NEED RENOVATIONS... OR A NEW BUILDING? RD 4, EPHRATA, PA 17522 (717) 354-4271 Serving The Agricultural Industry For Over 20 Years FACTORY REP. - DISTRIBUTOR P.V.C. "VINYL" PRODUCTS All Weather - Garden & Yard Fence - Privacy Fence Horse Rail Fence - Square & Round Post - 2-3-4-5 Rail W ‘PO f 0 Y x 5 77i MS MELVIN D. HILL baiLica RD #3 Box 218 Bouderton, PA 189 64 Catawissa, PA 17820 215/723-3500 717/799-0108 HARTZELL FENCE CO. 5125 Lincolnway East AMITY FENCE CO. Fayetteville, PA 17222 * 9th & Amity Streets 1-800-222-1784 P.0.80x 8665 1208Trmdle Rd. Reading, PA 19603 Carlisle, PA 17013 215/372-3441 717-249-2994 faced an unfavorable trade balance with the U.S. That situation no lon ger exists, and the U.S. Govern ment wants the quota lifted when the trade agreement expires in March 1988. The beef quota, which initially limited 1987 fiscal year import cs Specializing In Dairy Systems: DON T DELA Y - CALL TODA Y FARM & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS G&G INDUSTRIES Authorized Dealers 242 Buchanan Drive Ephrata, PA 17522 (717) 733-9396 levels to 177,000 MT, has bee increased to 214,000 MT. “Man people have questioned the vain of promoting U.S. beef in Japan, says Seng. ‘This recent quol increase is clear example of tl success of promoting U.S. meat i a country where quotas exist.”