Thailand, Costa Rica and Malaysia have reopened to U.S. boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age. In addition, Costa Rica allows importation of tongues, kidneys, livers and hearts.

Neither Thailand nor Costa Rica will require a beef export verification program if “the slaughter or processing plant is dedicated exclusively to production of beef products from animals less than 30 months of age and does not use imported beef products,” USDA says.

In 2003, Thailand imported $2.8 million of U.S. beef, while Costa Rica imported $960,000, and Malaysia purchased almost $2 million in U.S. beef and beef products.

Cattle Learning Center

Check out the Cattle Learning Center for a Web-based educational series on cattle reproduction. The Web site, www.cattlelearningcenter.org, features a self-paced, interactive learning module. Made possible by an educational grant from Pfizer Animal Health, the site includes illustrations, quizzes, video clips and interactive calculators. A CD version is also available.

The curriculum was developed by a team of producers, veterinarians and university specialists. For more information, call 1-866-BEEF-USA.