Japan has demanded only beef that is from cows 20 months of age or younger. They also want the age certified and in paper form showing the cow's growth from birth to death and the paper trail of the beef after the slaughterhouse. It is believed that beef on the hoof less than 20 months cannot get mad cow disease. "They are making this so complicated, so difficult," said one herder. "They are trying to create such a bookkeeping nightmare." US beef imports are now banned. The market in Japan for the US was $1.4 billion and trading is expected to resume if the record keeping is started. "It will take about four years to recover that market," said an expert. A cow sells for about 92.8 cents per pound or $1,150.00. Source:
http://www.boston.com
