Russia to Import U.S. Livestock

Courtesy Southeast Farm Press - May 8, 2008

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the United States will begin exporting breeding cattle, bovine embryos; breeding, fattening and slaughter swine; and breeding and sport horses to Russia.

Russia will accept cattle born on or after implementation of the United States' 1997 ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban.

"Russia's decision demonstrates our trading partners' confidence in our ability to effectively protect animal health and food safety," said Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer. "This decision opens up a new market for U.S. livestock producers, and we are pleased that such an important trading partner is looking to the United States to help establish a significant livestock market." Read more on the MyCattle.com Web site.

Simmer Down Now – Keeping State's Wildfires in Check

By Betsy Blaney, Associated Press Reporter
Originally published on the Abilene Reporter News Web site - May 4, 2008

So far this year, Texas wildfires have scorched about half the acres that burned in 2006 when 12 people and thousands of livestock died.

Thus far in 2008, just one person has died and management of wildfire breakouts across the state has improved thanks to the availability of more effective tools, forestry officials said.

Adequate resources are dispatched when weather conditions in a particular part of the state indicate wildfires could erupt, and news outlets are getting more regular updates. Read more on the Abilene Reporter News Web site.