News Update

News Update
March 8, 2006

Report Releases Checkoff-Funded Research

The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB) released an annual report today, highlighting information on research conducted through the national beef checkoff.

The 42-page report, titled “Research: Leading Change in the Beef Industry,” summarizes checkoff-funded beef safety, product enhancement, nutrition and market research. According to CBB, the report identifies priorities in each research program area and summarizes key research, listing the researchers’ names, institutions, duration of studies and total funding amounts. Research projects funded by state beef councils are also included.

To view the report visit www.beef.org/reseresearchannualreport.aspx, contact a state beef council, or write to: Annual Report, Research & Knowledge Management, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, 9110 E. Nichols Ave., Centennial, CO 80112-3450.

U.S., Malaysia to Negotiate FTA

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced today that the U.S. plans to negotiate a bilateral free-trade agreement (FTA) with Malaysia. The agreement, Johanns said, has the potential to enhance market access for U.S. agricultural exports.

“Malaysia, our fourth-largest agricultural market in Southeast Asia, purchased $390 million of our fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, wheat, soybeans and other products last year,” Johanns said. “A free-trade agreement will generate additional export opportunities for our farmers and ranchers, strengthen our economic ties, encourage development and improve access to Malaysian consumers seeking high quality U.S. products.”

The news comes just one day following Johanns’ announcement that Malaysia will resume imports of U.S. boneless beef from animals harvested at less than 30 months of age.

U.S. and Malaysian authorities are working to finalize the remaining documentation details so that shipments can begin in the near future.

Canadian Scientist Develops BSE Blood Test

A Canadian scientist has developed the first diagnostic blood test to detect several neurological diseases, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), according to the Vancouver Sun.

The test, developed by Dr. Neil Cashman, looks for misfolded proteins circulating in the bloodstream. According to the article, the blood tests can be used in cattle and in humans.

Amorfix Life Sciences Inc. is accelerating development of the test, the article noted. The company received approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency last month to handle BSE proteins from England. According to the Vancouver Sun, it is the first laboratory in North America to get approval for handling both human and animal prions.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, Angus Productions Inc.