Yabby why are many meat distributors and companies so resistant then to a more extensive meat grading system in Australia derived from factors such as age of carcass etc.

You and I continue to have these debates about FT and supporting local producers and I suspect both of us are fairly entrenched in our POV to ever concede the other side.

Another book recmmendation: Bob Ellis 'The Capitalism Delusion'. It is a bit OTT in parts even for me, and I don't agree with his view that capitalism has led to all of the world's woes but in general it hits the mark on free market fundamentalism. It covers all the issues we tend to butt heads on - globalisation, trade, poverty, corporatism and growing wage disparity etc.

Might be an interesting holiday read out of your normal diet if you have the time.
:)

*Yabby why are many meat distributors and companies so resistant then to a more extensive meat grading system in Australia derived from factors such as age of carcass etc.*

Because many of them are practical people, running what is already
a very difficult thing to run, ie, a meatworks, especially an
export works. Already there are AQIS vets and inspectors running
around on site, fussing over quality, bacterial contamination etc.
Adding MSA to the chain would massively increase the amount of
red tape and drive up costs even further.

They reckon that they have quality systems already in place, that
are enough. So MSA remains voluntary.

*and supporting local producers*

If you supported local producers Pelican, you would be all for free
trade, as local producers export most of what they produce, as
you noticed in the meat industry.

*Another book recmmendation: Bob Ellis 'The Capitalism Delusion'*

Ah Pelican, now you want me to increase my understanding of
economics, by reading a book by a guy who write screenplays!

hehe

Yabby surely you don't think ideology or political opinion should only be the domain of academics. That would be a sad day.

Ellis's style is quite dramatic which betrays his artistic roots, but as I said only if you have the time. There are many other books of this genre, however, if you prefer a different style.

Pelican, there are zillions of books written. Many do it, just
to make a living, somebody will buy them. That does not mean that
they know their subject or that what they write is in any way
intelligent.

Economics is one of those subjects where it is so easy to rant,
but so difficult to be accurate. One of your links the other day,
went on about the evils of the sale of the AWB. Well that might
impress you, but I am pretty well informed. I am fully aware
that the AWB has long been deregulated and today is nothing but
yet another trader in a crowded market. Selling them off really
won't matter. In fact the buyer of the AWB, did not even want
their grain side. They wanted their Landmark stores and they
flogged off the grain trading side to somebody else. My grain these
days, is handled and sold by CBH, a WA owned farmers coop.

I've subscribed to the Economist, for about the last 10 years,
for the very reason of gaining accurate and credible information.
Its been one of the best things that I ever did, for I've learned
a huge amount, from people who actually know what they are on about.

Keating was on Charlie Rose the other night, I listened very carefully,
as he knows his stuff. It was a brilliant interview.
If Costello writes something, I take notice. Again a man who
understands the subject.

Sorry, but I just prefer that kind of credible information,
in comparison to a rant from somebody like Ellis.

Yabby I too read a wide range and have had access to many economic documents, forecasts and briefs in my previous line of work. One thing might surprise you. Many economists disagree and much of their 'accuracy' is tied up with their own ideology.

It is your choice. Read it or don't read it. No problems here. But don't dismiss Ellis as just a screenwriter. He has done a lot more than this in the political sphere.

You are right in that there are many books written, that is why I read widely. It helps separate the detritus from the gems but if you only read material like The Economist may I suggest you need to free range a little wider. :)