New Mexico?s plan for halting the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) was recently approved by USDA. The plan allows much of the state to designate a Modified Accredited Advanced (MAA) zone that encompasses the entire area of Curry and Roosevelt counties.

Strong U.S. beef and pork exports in January defied predictions that sluggish global economies and volatile currencies would dampen them, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. USDA data showed beef muscle cut exports jumped 13 percent in volume and 15 percent in value compared to January 2008.

A webinar is scheduled for March 25 from 9 to 10 a.m. to explain what landowners, tax preparers, and local governments need to know about Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting requirements and how to handle oil and gas payments.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said last Wednesday that it will allow a 60-day delay on implementing more stringent feed ban regulations for livestock feed ingredients. The regulations, meant to help prevent any potential spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Wyoming agriculture producers and handlers interested in going organic may apply now for grants to help offset the costs associated with certification.

This year, the U.S. Congress will address many legislative issues that directly affect cattlemen?s bottom line?including property rights and environmental regulations.

Legislation aimed at stopping the slaughter of wildlife that are munching on crops has passed the state Senate and now goes to the House. Under the bill, ranchers and farmers could no longer kill wildlife on private land unless the animals were predators threatening people, pets or livestock.

An aggressive beef checkoff market response plan is in place to help protect beef demand in the meat case and on restaurant menus. This plan was quickly implemented in November 2008 when early economic signals indicated a need to proactively address channel and consumer purchasing decisions.

Ag producers interested in learning about the practice of retained ownership of livestock are invited to participate in a series of webinars beginning this month.

The checkoff-funded Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI) partnered with the Philadelphia Distance Run, the Classic Half Marathon held Sept. 21, 2008, to position lean beef as the protein choice to fuel active bodies and to introduce more than 15,800 elite athletes and their families to beef?s nutrition platform.