News Update

News Update
Nov. 29, 2006

USDA Resumes Plans to Ease Canadian Cattle Imports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has resubmitted a proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that would allow shipments into the U.S. of Canadian cattle more than 30 months of age and beef from such animals, according to Reuters.

This is the agency’s second attempt at reopening the border to older Canadian cattle. USDA delayed its initial proposal after Canada announced in July a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an animal born in 2002, several years after the 1997 feed ban.

Currently, the U.S. only allows importation of animals 30 months or younger and boneless beef from such cattle. If approved by the OMB, the rule will undergo public comment before it is initiated, Reuters reports.

K-State Names New Animal Sciences Head

Kansas State University (K-State) has named Ken Odde head of its Department of Animal Sciences and Industry.

According to K-State Research and Extension, Odde has been a professor and director of North Dakota State University’s (NDSU’s) Beef Systems Center of Excellence since June 2005. Prior to that, he served as head of NDSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from South Dakota State University in 1973 and from K-State a master’s degree in reproductive physiology in 1978, a degree in veterinary medicine in 1982 and a doctorate in reproductive physiology in 1983.

Odde has conducted research in such areas as artificial insemination (AI), calving difficulty, endocrine control of postpartum anestrus, estrous synchronization, and factors influencing colostrum production. Odde assumes his new duties Feb. 26, 2007.

Estimate Yield Grades Online

Colorado State University has released the Beef Cutout Calculator, a checkoff-funded online calculator used to estimate subprimal yields and approximate values (based on current market prices) before cattle go to market.

According to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), users are able to generate a report estimating cutout weights for individual animals, differentiated by USDA yield grade, cutting style, external fat trim level and initial live animal or carcass weight.

The tool is available at www.beefcutoutcalculator.colostate.edu.

Court Denies USDA Request to Dismiss R-CALF Case

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals last week denied a motion by the USDA to dismiss litigation by the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA).

R-CALF filed litigation against USDA in January 2005, arguing that relaxed import restrictions wouldn’t provide adequate protection from BSE-infected Canadian cattle. This most recent ruling opens the door for an appeal from R-CALF, with an opening brief due by Dec. 11.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.