If the proposed rule is finalized, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) import regulations for BSE would become more science based. As a result, commodities that are now restricted but pose no risk for BSE could be imported, according to APHIS.

USDA approved the temporary inspection facilities in response to increased demand from Russia, Turkey and Kazakhstan for live cattle in 2011. USDA said the facilities reduce the distance animals must travel before export and help exporters meet strict shipping deadlines.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act (H.R. 1837) in a bipartisan vote of 246 to 175.

It’s understood that ventilation problems on the recently converted livestock vessel, the MV Gracia Del Mar, caused the deaths of more than half of the animals on board since the ship left South America for Egypt a few weeks ago. The ship has been anchored in the Red Sea for over a week.

It’s that time of year, after spending the winter finding quality bulls, when producers are planning their summer breeding season schedules. The question of using estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) still plays in the back of many producers’ minds.

The U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2012, sided with private property owners by passing the Private Property Right Protection Act of 2012 (H.R. 1443). The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, R-WI, essentially prevents states from using eminent domain over property to be used for economic development.

TransCanada Corporation announced last week that they had sent a letter to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) informing the department the company plans to file a Presidential Permit application (cross border permit) in the near future for the Keystone XL Project from the U.

U.S. cattle numbers have declined 14 of the last 16 years, with the addition of 2011. The severe drought has increased the reduction of cattle numbers, sending feeder cattle to market at lower and lower weights, resulting in less beef per animal, including less Choice grades.

The bill now goes to Gov. Terry Branstad for a signature to make it law. The Senate changed the legislation last year before approving it last Tuesday on a 40- 10 vote. The House adopted the Senate’s changes without debate and approved it on a 69-28 vote.

The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and three other conservation groups petitioned the California Fish and Game Commission last week to protect gray wolves as an endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act.