The discovery of mad cow disease in the US this week could be a boon for Australia’s beef export industry but it is too early to make predictions, industry leaders say.

USDA is proposing to expand the contracting authority for the Beef Promotion and Research Program.

A BIGGER than expected drop in the US herd may offer a small reprieve for Australian beefexporters facing falls in Japan and Korea, analysis suggests.The US industry is still reeling after a USDA report counted beefcattle numbers at their lowest in 60 years.In its twice-yearly cattle report, the USDA pegged cattle and calves in the US as of January 1 at 90.8 million head, 2.1 per cent below the 92.7m a year ago and the lowest January 1 inventory of all cattle and calves since the 88.1m on hand in 1952.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the United States’ cattle herd has shrunk to its smallest size in 60 years, mostly because of a severe drought that has ravaged the southern plains. Beef prices have gone up 17 percent as a result. In the pastures near Hallsburg,Texas, ranchers are hanging on desperately, hoping for rain.

Staying ahead of the curve brings success

Pavilion D will be home to beef and livestock exhibitors, seminars, live cattle demonstrations and a ranching and livestock competition, Feb. 14-16 in Tulare, Calif.