Japan could lift U.S. beef ban next month. Following a recent meeting with Japanese officials, Hagel is hopeful that the Japanese embargo of U.S. beef could end as early as next month. [News Source]

Some ranchers shy on first day since mad cow announcement (AG Weekly) TULIA, Texas -- West Texas rancher Kevin Crooks lost about $1 million in the year following the country's first case of mad cow 18 months ago. If he'd had cattle big enough to sell at the Tulia Livestock Auction on Monday, he wouldn't have brought a one. [News Source]