Argentina contacted the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the end of August seeking WTO consultation regarding what it alleges are illegal and unscientific trade barriers to Argentinean beef in the U.S. This move came just a week after the U.S. and Japan filed complaints with WTO alleging Argentinean import licensing rules are protectionist.

A new reporting rule in pork price reporting will improve transparency with the public and allay producer concern, as well as having the potential to improve the dwindling price discovery for hogs.

According to the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) active fire mapping service, 2012 year-to-date has had the most fire damage seen in six years, with 7.29 million acres burned already. Only 2005 and 2006 saw more destruction at this time in the year at 7.32 million acres and 7.

The most recent Cold Storage report shows stocks of total red meat and poultry in cold storage as of July 31 at 2.24 billion pounds (bp). Of that, beef represented roughly 20 percent at 455.74 million pounds (mp). When compared to the previous report, beef in cold storage dropped 3 percent but increased in its portion of overall red meat storage.

The most recent USDA monthly Cattle on Feed report which came out August 17 showed few surprises. However, some perspective is needed. Even though placement numbers are down compared to expectations, the numbers are still unusually high relative to the past six years.

The first of many bills for the state’s new fire fees have been sent out to rural California residents. The proceeds of the fee go to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal- Fire), but opponents say the fee is an illegal tax and it will soon be challenged in court.

Cash trade trickled along the first half of the week unable to produce a market test. Bids generally trailed asking prices by $4-6 dollars. Asking prices for live cattle in the Southern Plains started the week high at $124, but gradually dipped down to $122-123.

The August USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report came out Friday, Aug. 10. The report showed beef production up compared to prior projections, but still down compared to prior years. It also predicted the U.S. will become a net importer of beef by 2013.

History is repeating itself on the topic of public lands management. Echoing three attempts in the past 12 years, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is facing legal challenges for attempting to update its forest planning rules. Unlike the past, however, ranching groups, rather than environmentalists, are taking it to task over the newest planning rule.

Kansas State University (K-State) veterinary researchers have recently published the findings of their uniquely real-world relevant study on pre-harvest E. coli treatments. In the study, the researchers tested the efficacy of Pfizer Animal Health’s SRP E.