No More National Animal ID System (KQCD-TV Dickinson) Seven years ago, the USDA announced a plan to tag farm animals at birth, and then track the animals until they ended up at the butcher shop. The idea was that the system would improve animal security, because an outbreak of illness or disease like mad cow could be tracked to its source. [News Source]

No More National Animal ID System (KFYR-TV Bismarck) Seven years ago, the USDA announced a plan to tag farm animals at birth, and then track the animals until they ended up at the butcher shop. The idea was that the system would improve animal security, because an outbreak of illness or disease like mad cow could be tracked to its source. [News Source]

Oscar accents: A nod to foreign-born winners (Orlando Sentinel) From now until March 7, it's going to be all Oscars all the time. [News Source]

Taiwan leader’s right-hand man resigns after US beef row (AFP via Yahoo! News) Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou's right-hand man announced his resignation on Thursday after becoming embroiled in a row on the ban of certain US beef imports. [News Source]

B.C. ranchers consider marketing board (CBC British Columbia) Struggling ranchers in B.C. are considering a provincial beef marketing board as one way to halt a meltdown in the local cattle industry. [News Source]

Uncertain future for farmers (Cornwall Standard Freeholder) Time is running out for many farms in the area and the province, say agricultural reps, after recent high-level talks failed to grow a new assistance program. Apple Hill's Ian Howes is one of the many beef and cash crop farmers in the area who face an uncertain future.[...] [News Source]

Mad Cow ban backdown blasted (ABC via Yahoo!7 News) The Federal Government has defended its decision to lift a ban on the import of beef from countries that have had an outbreak of Mad Cow Disease, or BSE. [News Source]