HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTERLEAF.

This kind of leaf is very familiar to some people but others may not have any idea about this wonder leaf. Bitter-leaf can grow anywhere unlike other leaves that only grow in certain places and temperature. These leaves flourishes anywhere they grow. They add beauty to all places where they are present. The most distinctive characteristic of this plant is its bitterness. Every part of this plant is bitter starting from the leaves to its roots. The bitterness of this plant is actually good for the body. It has a lot of health benefits to people. The plant can remind people that life is not always sweet; it takes to taste bitterness before you can achieve sweetness. This plant is very useful in toning the vital organs of the body especially the liver and the kidney.

The liver is one of the most important organs of the body. It has a lot of vital functions that is needed for normal functioning of the whole system of the body. Without the liver all major process in the body will be paralyze. The liver is known as the largest organ inside the body. It has an approximate weight of 1-3 kg in an average adult individual. There are a lot of major functions that the liver should do every day and this includes the production of bile acid that helps in fat metabolism.

Without the liver fats will not be digested inside the body to be use as energy. Bitter-leaf can be very helpful in maintaining the livers optimum health to release bile acid every time people eat fatty foods. Another major function of the liver is the production of glycogen. Glycogen is stored energy that is release in times of low level of glucose especially for people who do fasting.

The liver should be well taken care of by using bitter-leaf. Once the liver is been damage it can’t be restored into its normal function. People with liver problems can boil a bitter-leaf and drink a glass of it every day.

Another very vital organ inside the body is the kidney. Kidney helps in the excretion of waste products inside the body. If the normal function of the kidney breakdown there will great huge problem inside the body. Bitter-leaf a natural herb that is useful in taking care of the kidney and the liver.

Diabetic patient can also use bitter-leaf as one of their medication to prevent high sugar level in the blood. It will not only lower the sugar level in the blood but also repair impaired pancreas. As you all know pancreas is the organ responsible for the production of insulin for glucose to reach each cell to use by the body as energy. Impaired pancreas does not release the right amount of insulin to maintain the right sugar level in the blood. Bitter-leaf is a real wonder of nature. You can take the benefit of this amazing plant by squeezing its leaves in ten litters of water. BY MARK PERRY.

TEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN LEAVES(UGWU).

Back where I come from, we call these green “ugwu” or “ugu”, and most Nigerians have no idea what the English name is (like most local foods) it is known  as pumpkin leaves. My grandmother used to say this was a great vegetable to blend and mix with juices and stuff, but way back then, as a child, I could never understand why someone would want to blend a vegetable. And it didn’t have the best texture in the world. Now, look at me, blending all sorts of greens!

This vegetable is used a lot in Nigeria to cook soups (what you may refer to as a sauce), to boil and eat plain, or to blend into a shake. People say it is healthy, but I don’t think people truly know what those health benefits are.

Pumpkin leaves contain a healthy amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron, while still staying very low on the calorie front.

We all know about the vision benefits vitamin A provides, as well as the skin benefits. Vitamin C helps to heal wounds and form scar tissue, and maintain healthy bones, skin, and teeth. However since the body cannot produce this vitamin on its own or even store it, you should be consistently getting enough vitamin C in your diet.

As for calcium, your mother probably already told you growing up that you need a healthy dose of calcium for your bones and teeth as a child. However, if you are a female, it is important to consume enough calcium to help prevent osteoporosis and keep your bones strong. There have also been studies showing that calcium may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular failure.

Iron helps our muscles store and use oxygen, and helps carry oxygen from our lungs to other parts of our bodies as part of hemoglobin. If you’ve ever heard the term “anemia”, this can be caused by iron deficiency. Women and children in particular need a healthy dose of iron consistently, and these leaves help provide that nutrient naturally.

Some of the health benefits of pumpkin leave include:

1. Prevention of convulsion: The young leaves sliced and mixed with coconut water and salt are stored in a bottle and used for the treatment of convulsion in ethno medicine.
2 lowers cholesterol:leaves has hypolipdemic effect and may be a useful therapy in hypercholestolemia.
3 Boost fertility: A particular study showed that pumpkin has the potential to regenerate testicular damage and also increase spermatogenesis.
4. It has a liver protecting effects.
5.  It has antibacterial effects
6 .The leaves are rich in iron and play a key role in the cure of anaemia, (my mother used to mix the leaf extract with milk)
7. They are also noted for lactating properties and are in high demand for nursing mothers.
8.It has an hypoglycaemic (sugar reducing) effect. It is good for diabetics
9. Increases Blood Volume and Boost Immune System
10. The high protein content in leaves of plants such as pumpkin could have supplementary effect for the daily protein requirement of the body. NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
 

GUAVA TREE INFORMATION: HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR GUAVA FRUIT TREE.

Guava fruit trees (Psidium guajava) are not a common sight in North America and need a decidedly tropical habitat. In the United States, they are found in Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, Florida and a few sheltered areas in California and Texas. The trees are very frost tender and will succumb to a freeze when young, although adult trees may survive short periods of cold.

That said, the plants are attractive and produce deliciously rich, sweet fruits that are excellent fresh or in desserts. Given enough guava tree information, it is possible to grow these small trees in a greenhouse or sunroom and reap the benefits of their Vitamin C-rich fruits.

The guava fruit grows on a small tree with a wide, short canopy and a sturdy single to multi-stemmed trunk. The guava tree is an interesting plant with mottled greenish bark and long 3- to 7-inch serrated leaves. Guava trees produce white, 1-inch flowers that yield to small round, oval or pear shaped fruits. These are more accurately berries and have soft flesh, which may be white, pink, yellow or even red and varies in taste from acidic, sour to sweet, and rich depending on variety.
The guava plants thrive in any soil with good drainage and full sun for best flowering and fruit production.

Guava fruit trees are tropical to sub-tropical and may achieve 20 feet in height. Growing guavas require cold protection and is not suitable outdoors in most zones of the United States. They must have shelter from freezing winds, even in sunny warm climates where occasional icy temperatures occur.

Caring for a Guava Tree

If you are lucky enough to live in a region where guava plants grow outside, the tree should be planted in well-drained soil where its roots have room to spread.

Fertilize growing guavas every one to two months while young and then three to four times per year as the tree matures. Guava trees need a high amount of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, along with some magnesium for maximum fruit production. An example is a formula of 6-6-6-2, worked into soils just prior to the onset of the growing season and then evenly spaced out three times during the growth period.

Water frequently after planting and then keep mature trees moderately moist during the blooming and fruiting seasons. Once established, caring for a guava fruit tree is similar to any fruiting tree care.

Growing Guava from Seed

Growing guava from seed may not produce a fruiting tree for up to eight years and the plants are not true to the parent. Therefore, cuttings and layering are more often used as propagation methods for guava fruit trees.

Growing guava seeds, however, is a fun project and produces an interesting plant. You need to harvest seed from a fresh guava and soak off the flesh. The seeds can remain usable for months, but germination can take up to eight weeks. Boil the seeds for five minutes prior to planting to soften the tough outside and encourage germination. BY BONNIE L GRANT.

CORN,BEANS LITTLE CHANGE OVERNIGHT, EXPORT SALES DOWN FOR CORN, UP FOR SOYA BEANS.

Corn, Beans Little Changed as Investors Weigh Wet Weather, Global Output
Grains and soybeans were little changed in overnight trading as investors weigh wet weather in the Midwest vs. large global production.

Rain continues to fall in many parts of the Midwest and storms are likely over the weekend in from Nebraska to Ohio. That is delaying planting in some areas, growers said, while causing concern about replanting in others. 

Still, global production is keeping a lid on prices. World corn output in the marketing year that ends August 31 is forecast at 1.07 billion metric tons, easily a record, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

That will decline in the following year – to the second-most on record at 1.033 billion tons, according to the USDA.

Corn futures for July delivery rose ¾¢ to $3.70 a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Soybean futures fell 1¾¢ to $9.37¾ a bushel overnight. Soy meal lost 10¢ to $304.60 a short ton, and soy oil futures fell 0.04¢ to 32¢ a pound.

Wheat for July delivery rose ½¢ to $4.31¼ a bushel in Chicago, and Kansas City futures gained 1¾¢ to $4.33 a bushel.

2. U.S. Corn Sales Decline, Soybeans Improve Week-to-Week, Wheat Mixed
Sales of U.S. corn to overseas buyers dropped while soybean sales improved last week.

Exporters sold 457,200 metric tons of corn for delivery in the 2016-2017 marketing year, down 35% from the prior week and 33% from the four-week average, the Department of Agriculture said in a report.

Japan was the biggest buyer at 227,400 metric tons, followed by Mexico at 68,600 tons and Taiwan at 67,000 tons. South Korea purchased 62,800 tons and Bangladesh bought 53,400 tons. Unknown buyers cancelled a purchase of 120,000 tons, and Nigeria cancelled a 50,000-ton buy, the USDA said.
Soybean sales rose 33% from the previous week to 472,700 tons, the government said. The total was up 9% from the four-week average.

Unknown buyers were the biggest purchasers at 148,500 tons, followed by China at 130,000 tons. Pakistan took 65,000 tons, and Canada bought 31,400 tons

Wheat for delivery in the marketing year that ends May 31 totaled 201,900 tons, down 19% from the prior week but up 49% from the four-week average, the USDA said. Mexico was the big buyer at 119,500 tons, followed by Venezuela at 60,000 tons. Japan bought 56,300 tons, and Taiwan purchased 52,700 tons.

For 2017-2018 year that starts June 1, sales totaled 342,900 tons. Mexico was the biggest buyer at 231,700 tons, followed by Guatemala at 37.700 tons. Unknown buyers bought 28,400 tons, and South Korea purchased 16,000 tons, the USDA said.

3. Storms to Bring Rain to Much of Midwest This Weekend, Mississippi River Still Flooding

More rainfall is expected in parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana this weekend, which likely will keep farmers out of fields in many areas.

Scattered thunderstorms are likely this weekend in Nebraska as a convective complex moves through the Midwest, according to the National Weather Service. The storms likely won’t bring severe weather but incessant rains.

Storms also are expected to develop across much of Iowa today, some of which might become severe, the NWS said.

“Gusty winds and hail will be the primary threats with any stronger thunderstorm,” the NWS said. “Locally heavy downpours will also accompany the thunderstorms, possibly producing ponding of water on roads and in drainage ditches. The Mississippi River is experiencing flooding.” BY TONY DREIBUS.

JUNE 1ST IS AN IMPORTANT CROP INSURANCE DATE

The frequent rains that soaked parts of the Corn Belt this spring have left many corn and soybean fields unplanted or with flooded areas that need to be replanted. Some producers are wondering what options they have under their multiple peril crop insurance policies. The first step is notifying your crop insurance agent as soon as possible and understanding crop insurance provisions.

In Iowa, the crop insurance late-planting period for corn begins on June 1 and varies across the Corn Belt. You can still plant corn after this date, but the insurance guarantee on those acres is reduced by 1% per day until planted. Corn acres planted after June 25 will receive insurance coverage equal to 60% of their original guarantee.

Producers should keep accurate records of planting dates on all remaining acres for both crop insurance and Farm Service Agency (FSA) purposes. The late planting period for soybeans in Iowa is June 16 through July 10.

Unplanted corn acres as of June 1

Beginning June 1, producers with unplanted corn acres have three choices.

•  Plant corn as soon as possible with a reduced guarantee.
•  Shift to soybeans with full insurance coverage.
•  Apply for prevented planting. Prevented-planting acres are insured at 55% of their original guarantee for corn and 60% for soybeans. A cover crop can be established on those acres or the land left idle (black dirt).

Acres that have been planted, but need to be replanted, may qualify for a special replanting insurance payment. Payments are based on the value of 8 bushels of corn or 3 bushels of soybeans per acre, times their respective projected insurance prices determined in February.

For 2017, that is about $32 per acre for corn and $31 per acre for soybeans, respectively. To qualify for an indemnity payment under the replanted or prevented planting provisions, a minimum area of 20 acres or 20% of the insured unit must have suffered loss, whichever is smaller.
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Producers should communicate with their crop insurance agent before making decisions about replanting or abandoning acres.

Establishing a cover crop is not required on prevented planting acres, but highly recommended. The rules set by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), which oversees the federal crop insurance program, do not require a cover crop.

However, RMA encourages cover crops and insureds will receive a full-prevented planting payment — even if they choose not to plant a cover crop. Leaving unplanted or abandoned acreage idle (black dirt) is probably not the best agronomic choice. Likely cover crop seed includes oats, wheat, barley, or millet.

Keep in mind, if you plant any kind of cover crop you cannot harvest or graze those acres until after November 1.

Expect most of Iowa fields will be planted this spring. A few acres may require replanting. For crop insurance purposes, these fields will be in the delayed planting or replant situation. Regardless, producers should keep good records of planting dates and acres for both crop insurance and FSA acreage certification. Write down the dates you planted, the crop, number of acres, and reference the farm name or number. Work with your crop insurance agent and understand the basic provisions of crop insurance. BY STEVE JOHNSON.

LEADERS OF SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE SAY NO TO FARM BILL CUTS.

Two days after President Trump proposed large cuts in food stamps and farm supports, the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee spoke out against funding cuts as the panel prepares to write the 2018 farm bill. Committee chair Republican Pat Roberts, took aim at reduced farm supports, particularly crop insurance, saying “Now is not the time for additional cuts.” The panel’s senior Democrat, Debbie Stabenow, opposed proposed cuts in rural development and public nutrition as well.

“The proposal cuts $231 billion from farm bill programs, which would make a five-year farm bill virtually impossible to pass,” said Stabenow. The administration proposed cuts 10 times larger than those written into the 2014 farm law.

The fiscal 2018 budget proposed by the White House would cut food stamps by $193 billion, or 25%, over 10 years, and crop insurance by $29 billion. It would also downsize land stewardship initiatives and eliminate many rural development programs.

At a hearing on the agricultural economy, Roberts pointed to a slump in both farm income and commodity prices since the collapse of the agricultural boom in 2013. USDA chief economist Robert Johansson said the farm sector was “in a very flat price environment,” and Nathan Kaufman, an economist at the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, said farmers were using up their cash reserves due to tight margins. “We haven’t seen it turn into an issue of solvency,” said Kaufman, because land values have held up well. Land is four fifths of farm assets.

“One thing is clear—times are challenging right now in farm country,” said Roberts. “Farmers, ranchers, and rural families understand fiscal responsibility. They want to do their parts. But now is not the time for additional cuts.”

“We need to make sure that producers have risk-management tools at their disposal. Let me emphasize that crop insurance is the most valuable tool in the risk-management tool box,” Roberts said, repeating the sentence on crop insurance twice. Crop insurance is the largest strand in the farm safety net, worth nearly $8 billion a year.

Stabenow said the Trump budget “would have devastating effects on our farmers and rural families. … More than 500 groups representing farmers, conservationists, rural communities, and food advocates wrote a letter that we should not make — we should not make — any further cuts. And I agree,” she said. BY CHUCK ABBOTT.

TIMING AND TEMPERATURE: KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE REPLANTING.

One way to describe the 2017 planting season? Soggy. If you have standing water in your planted fields, you may be considering replant. “Survival of young corn plants under these conditions depends on several factors,” says Roger Elmore, Extension cropping systems agronomist at University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“Smaller seedlings are more susceptible than larger seedlings,” says Elmore in a University of Nebraska Crop Watch article. But the effect of standing water on germinating seeds is not well known. Hybrids will respond differently to standing water.

48 Hours

Timing is everything. If there’s standing water in your field, you have 48 hours before the oxygen supply will become depleted, says Elmore.

“Cool air temperatures help to increase the possibility of survival,” he says. “Yet, we would not expect survival of germinating seeds to be greater than that of young plants; they should not be expected to survive more than four days.”

Before emergence: Seeds can survive up to four days.

Prior to the sixth leaf and underwater (6 inches of water on surface) with a temperature less than 77°F.: Will survive for four days. Longer flooding results in lower yields especially at lower nitrogen levels. Some plants will be buried by sediment and residue and may not survive.

Prior to the sixth leaf and underwater (6 inches of water on surface) with a temperature greater than 77°F.: May not survive 24 hours.

Corn prior to sixth-leaf stage in saturated, cold soil with flooding: Seed rots, seedling blights, various other pathogens, crazy top.

If it becomes necessary to replant, consider which herbicides have been sprayed, says Randy Hagen, knowledge transfer manager at Monsanto. “Some crops can’t be planted back to a field that had a certain herbicide.”

Don’t make a drive-by assessment either, advised Hagen. “Investigate the stands by going out and doing population stands in several spots of the field.”

Also, as we get closer to June, it’s time to start considering switching maturities. “If you have an option to do silage, you may want to go in and replant with the same maturity,” says Hagen.

However, for grain, there may be a consideration to move to an earlier product. Hagen recommends looking at soil type, early frost dates, and yield potential of the of the original product before moving to an earlier maturity. If replanting goes into June, consider a hybrid five days earlier or so, he says.

Below are seven factors Elmore recommends considering when dealing with flooded fields.

1. The longer an area remains ponded, the higher the risk of plant death.
2. Completely submerged corn is at higher risk than corn that is partially submerged. Plants that are only partially submerged may continue to photosynthesize, albeit at limited rates.
3. Corn will survive longer when temperatures are relatively cool — mid-60s or cooler — than when it's warm — mid-70s or warmer.
4. Even if surface water subsides quickly, the likelihood of dense surface crusts forming as the soil dries increases the risk of emergence failure for recently planted crops.
5. Extended periods of saturated soils after the surface water subsides will take their toll on the overall vigor of the crop.
6. Associated with the direct stress of saturated soils on a corn crop, flooding and ponding can cause significant losses of soil nitrogen due to denitrification and leaching of nitrate N.
7. In addition, diseases and other problems can develop due to silt in the whorls. BY KACEY BIRCHMIER.

3 BIG THINGS TODAY, MAY 29TH.

1. Chicago Board of Trade Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
The Chicago Board of Trade is closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Trading will resume at its normal time this evening.

2. Money Managers Most Bearish on Beans Since Last Week of 2015
Money managers increased their bets against rising soybean prices to the largest level since the last week of 2015.

Speculative investors were net-short by 69,775 soybean contracts in the week that ended on May 23, according to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. That’s up from 39,312 contracts a week earlier and the largest level since the seven days that ended on Dec. 29, 2015.

Investors likely increased their net-short positions in soybeans amid growing global supplies and expectations for a large U.S. crop.

World output is forecast at a 348.04 million metric tons in the year that ends on Aug. 31., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

U.S. production is expected to reach a record 4.307 billion bushels this year before declining to 4.255 billion bushels next year, the USDA said in a report earlier this month.
Net-shorts in corn, however, declined to 173,188 contracts, the lowest in three weeks, according to the CFTC.

Bets against higher prices in soft-red winter wheat fell to 120,701 contracts from 130,695 the prior week, while net-long positions in hard-red winter wheat were almost unchanged at 1,686 contracts, the CFTC said.

3. Isolated Thunderstorms Expected in Parts of Midwest But Region Mostly Dry Monday

Isolated thunderstorms are expected in parts of the U.S. Midwest including areas in Iowa, Illinois and Michigan, though no severe weather is expected.

In Iowa, thunderstorms are possible today and this evening before giving way through Wednesday when another system will move through the state. The storm later this week could produce “gusty wind and hail” and locally heavy rain, the National Weather Service said in a report early Monday.
In Illinois there’s a “limited” risk of thunderstorms today, but flooding will continue along portions of the Kankakee River. Storms will spark up again later this week, though the odds of anything major are limited, the NWS said. Lightning is expected.

Storms, however, are forecast for today and tonight in parts of Michigan, though severe weather isn’t expected. Starting Thursday, another warm front will move through the state, according to the agency. BY TONY DREIBUS.

THE NEXT MONTH WILL BE CRITICAL FOR DISEASE DEVELOPMENT.

Recent cold, wet field conditions and fluctuations in soil temperatures have put early-planted corn at risk for seedling disease, and there may be considerations for replant in some areas.

“It’s been a mixed bag across the country,” says Randy Hagen, knowledge transfer manager at Monsanto.

“Cold soil temperatures and episodes of recent rainfall are especially favorable for some of the most common and damaging seedling diseases favored by cold wet conditions,” says Tamra Jackson-Ziems, University of Nebraska (U of N) Extension plant pathologist in a U of N Cropwatch article. “Numerous seedling diseases can take advantage of any of these conditions.”

Monitor seedling emergence and stand establishment in the coming weeks so diseases can be detected early.

Seedling diseases can be caused by any of several common soilborne organisms, such as Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, or parasitic nematodes. To complicate things, seedling diseases can be confused with insect injury, herbicide damage, planting problems, or environmental stresses that often have similar symptoms, says Jackson-Ziems.
Look for these symptoms of seedling diseases:

• Rotted seed prior to germination   
• Rotted or discolored seedlings after germination prior to emergence
• Postemergence seedling damping off 
• Root or hypocotyl decay

At least 14 species of Pythium have been identified that can cause seedling blight and root rot. These pathogens require excessive moisture, says Jackson-Ziems.

“The pathogen overwinters in soil and infected plant debris by producing thick-walled oospores that can survive for several years in the absence of a suitable host and favorable weather conditions. In addition to wet soil conditions, some species of Pythium are favored by cold soil conditions and are most likely to cause seed and seedling diseases lately,” says Jackson-Ziems.

At least six Fusarium species can cause seedling diseases and root rots. Stressed plants due to weather extremes (temperature and moisture), herbicide damage, and physical injury are more prone to infection and disease caused by Fusarium species, says Jackson-Ziems.

“Rhizoctonia species can also cause seedling diseases, but tend to be more common in drier growing conditions,” says Jackson-Ziems. “Rhizoctonia tends to cause reddish-brown lesions that can girdle and rot off roots. Root and crown rot may be severe enough to cause seedling death.”

Management

The most common method for disease management is the use of seed treatment fungicides.
In general, corn has protection from early disease because it’s been treated, says Hagen. Most seed corn is already treated with more than one seed treatment fungicide, often an insecticide, and, sometimes with a nematicide.

These products can provide protection against some of the pathogens that cause seedling diseases; however, they only provide protection during the first few weeks immediately after planting.

Scout fields

Diseases may still develop due to extended periods of inclement weather or if they are under severe pathogen pressure, says Jackson-Ziems.

The next month or so will be critical, says Hagen. “Look at field history, what has happened in your area, and what conditions are present today,” he says.

He recommends knowing what potential disease exists in your field. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” says Hagen. “Check your fields regularly, and ask your agronomist a lot of questions. Being aware is an important management tool in today’s world.”

Pay additional attention to areas that had standing water, warns Hagen. In places with a lot of standing water, there’s a higher risk of disease.

“If it is cold and wet, pay attention to that,” he says. “Those are potential signs for future diseases. But if it gets hotter and drier during the summer, that will go away.”

For some of those diseases, there’s nothing you can do, says Hagen. But knowing that history will help your to make management decisions next year.

If you’re considering replant, don’t make a snap decision. “Wait on replant until it’s a time where it makes sense,” says Hagen.

So far, replant has been minimal throughout the Midwest, says Hagen. But if you’re in a situation where replanting is a consideration, remember these steps:

1. Evaluate the stand in several areas throughout the field.
2. Consider the soil type. Soil type is key to understanding if there’s a chance for crusting and compaction, says Hagen.
3. Check the herbicide history.
4. Consider the time of year. If it gets too late, you may need to switch maturities to an earlier product. But until it gets later, you may not want to change the maturity.
5. Factor in early frost dates. BY KACEY BIRCHMIER.

U.S, CHINA ACCELERATE BEEF TALKS, DEAL POSSIBLE BY EARLY JUNE.

CHICAGO, May 19 (Reuters) - Talks on restarting U.S. beef exports to China are moving fast and final details should be in place by early June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Friday, allowing American farmers to vie for business that has been lost by rival Brazil.

As part of a trade deal, U.S. ranchers are set to halt the use of growth-promoting drugs to raise cattle destined for export to China and to log the animals' movements, according to the USDA.

The two sides are negotiating to meet a deadline, set under a broader trade deal last week, for shipments to begin by mid-July.

Finalizing technical details in early June should mean beef companies, such as Tyson Foods Inc and Cargill Inc , can sign contracts with Chinese buyers to meet the deadline, the USDA said.

China banned U.S. beef in 2003 after a U.S. scare over mad cow disease. Previous attempts by Washington to reopen the world's fastest-growing beef market have fizzled out. But now, the quick progress of the latest talks is raising hopes of U.S. farmers.

"Both sides feel the urgency to get it done by the deadline," said Joe Schuele, spokesman for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which represents Tyson, Cargill and other meat companies.
China's embassy in Washington could not immediately be reached for comment.

BRAZIL WOES

The timing of the new deal allows U.S. producers to benefit as Brazil, the world's top beef exporter, is struggling with scandals and rival shipper Australia is suffering from a drought that is hurting production, analysts said.

China accounted for nearly one-third of the Brazilian meat packing industry's $13.9 billion in exports last year.

But in March, Beijing briefly banned Brazilian imports after Brazilian police accused inspectors of taking bribes to allow sales of rotten and salmonella-tainted meat.

JBS SA, the world's largest meatpacker, was involved in the probe and in separate allegations this week that Brazil's president conspired to obstruct justice with the company's chairman.

The food-safety probe hit Brazil's beef exports, which fell by 24.6 percent to $378 million in April from March, according to Abiec, an industry group that represents meat processors accounting for about 90 percent of Brazil's exports.

"This is a very opportune time for the U.S. to step up," said Derrell Peel, an agricultural economist at Oklahoma State University.

Chinese appetite for beef has climbed due to its expanding middle class. In 2003, its imports totaled just $15 million, or 12,000 tons, including $10 million from the United States, according to the USDA.

TRACKING CATTLE

Brazilian exporters hope China's trade deal with Washington will not inflict more pain on meat companies in the country because U.S. exporters will be targeting different, higher-end customers, said Abrafrigo, an association representing Brazil's small meatpackers.

To reopen U.S. trade, Beijing has accepted a U.S. proposal in principle that would require producers to document the locations where cattle raised for beef exported to China are born and slaughtered, the USDA said. The system would be less onerous than tracking cattle throughout their entire lives, during which they can be kept at up to four different locations.

Peel, a livestock expert, estimated that U.S. producers trace the movements of less than 20 percent of the nation's cattle.

Under another rule, U.S. beef exported to China must be raised without a class of growth-enhancing drugs known as beta-agonists that includes Elanco's Optaflexx, according to the USDA. Elanco, owned by Eli Lilly and CO, declined to comment.

A trade group for veterinary drug companies, the Animal Health Institute, said China should accept beef from cattle raised with beta-agonists because they are safe.

U.S. beef shipments to China also will have to come from cattle under the age of 30 months, according to the USDA. Most U.S. cattle will meet that requirement, the U.S. Meat Export Federation said.

The terms of the deal are a win for the United States over Canada, which is approved to ship only frozen beef to China.

China already bans meat from Canadian cattle fed with Optaflexx, according to the Canadian Meat Council. It also requires that Canadian beef be produced from cattle that are less than 30 months old and can be tracked to the farm where they were born. BY TOM POLANSEK.