USDA announced it is accepting applications for up to $50 million in projects to promote the continued production and use of biofuels.

Members of the National C a t t l emens Beef Association (NCBA) approved a number of policy resolutions and directives to further critical industry priorities. The resolutions were passed by vote during the membership meeting at the culmination of the annual Cattle Industry Summer Conference.

The National Cattlemens Foundation (NCF) and Fort Dodge Animal Health recognize the importance of and demand for bovine veterinarians and production agriculture professionals.

"We believe in the success of a strong state and national partnership resulting in increased consumer demand for beef and higher consumer confidence. We believe in producer control of checkoff funds through the Qualified State Beef Councils, which are the foundation of the beef checkoff.

Seven beef farms and ranches, representing a wide range of sizes and types of businesses, were selected as regional winners of the 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award. For almost two decades, the beef industry has recognized outstanding commitment and leadership in conservation.

With winter wheat harvest still in progress and rains continuing, producers may benefit from a forage crop to follow the wheat, said a University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) specialist.

After the removal of the gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species List last spring, wolf management has shifted from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to the various states where wolves have been delisted.

Wyoming beef producers Spencer Ellis, Lovell, WY, and Judy West, Chugwater, WY, were named to leadership positions at the June 5, 2009, Wyoming Beef Council (WBC) meeting in Gillette, WY. The volunteer leaders will help shape the direction and outline priorities for the investment of Wyomings beef checkoff in fiscal year 2010.

Last week, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Montana Public Lands Council, Montana Association of Grazing Districts, and the national Public Lands Council denounced an effort by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to buy out ranchers grazing leases on the Charles M.

U.S. beef and pork exports got a boost last week from Costa Rica and St. Lucia, according to USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service. Costa Rica last Monday expanded its import protocol to accept bone-in U.S. beef along with boneless beef, further processed product, and offal such as beef tongues, kidneys, livers and hearts.