Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF) added to its long list of courtroom setbacks in late August when the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the decision allowing importation of Canadian cattle into the U.S. The group had argued that USDA's plan to allow the importation of live Canadian cattle posed a BSE risk to the U.S. cattle herd.

“Having reviewed the merits of this case, we conclude that the agency considered the relevant factors and articulated a rational connection between the facts found and its decision to designate Canada a minimal-risk country. R-CALF's extra-record evidence has failed to convince us that the agency's review was unauthorized, incomplete or otherwise improper,” wrote Judge Cynthia Holcomb Hall.

To read the 21-page decision, visit: www.ca9.uscourts.gov/ca9/newopinions.nsfF226F16F54F89255882573450059A797/$file/0635512pdf?openelement.