June totals round out remarkable first-half run for U.S. beef exports
The value of U.S. beef exports has climbed closer to the pre-BSE highs achieved earlier in the decade, according to the latest export figures released by USDA. Surging meat sales in overseas markets have provided a needed boost for cattle producers in recent months, brightening the outlook for the nation's livestock industry. more
Suit against wind power projects is rejected
A federal judge in Austin has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of coastal environmental associations seeking to block construction of two massive wind energy projects on the Kenedy Ranch. While the written ruling from U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel is not yet on file, the oral opinion will apparently clear away the last legal hurdle facing the controversial project's two foreign developers. more
Regulation will not curtail risks to food: Schafer
After several meat recalls this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not see passing new regulations as a solution to curtail risks to food, according to Ag Secretary Ed Schafer. Despite headlines that question the safety of U.S. food supply, including the recall of a record 143 million pounds of meat in February and last week's recall of beef suspected of E. coli contamination sold by Whole Foods, the number of contaminated products has declined in recent years. more
New Mexico ranchers face more expenses
New Mexico's cattle ranchers are facing increased expenses with a downgrade in the state's bovine tuberculosis status. The downgrade from "tuberculosis free" to "modified accredited advanced tuberculosis state" is expected from the U.S. Department of Agriculture any day. In simplest terms, the change means cattle producers will have to do more tuberculosis testing on cattle before the animals leave the state. Anyone shipping dairy or beef breeding cattle out of state will have to test the animals within 60 days before the cattle leave. more
It's what's for dinner: beef & vegetable fried rice
Enjoy a taste of the orient with this fast and easy one-skillet meal. more
