GAUCHOS PARTICIPATE IN THE TRADITIONAL PALETEO COMPETITION, 1998-08-03 (photo)

Argentine cowboys known as "Gauchos" participate in the traditional "Paleteo" competition where they attempt to trap a cow between their horses and force him into a corral in an annual festival on the grounds of the Argentine Rural Society August 2. Producers of Argentine beef, considered by many to be the best in the world, began a one-week national strike August 3 against tax reforms that they say will further hurt their industry at a time when slaughter houses and food processors are shutting down as meat exports tumble to historically low levels under a sagging global market. RR/GB