SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said while the federal tracking program never fully into effect, public hearings on the nationwide program were filled with complaints from U.S. farmers and ranchers, the Des Moines (Iowa) Register said Saturday.

As a result of such opposition, the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama nixed the federal program in favor of state-organized attempts to track the movements of cattle, hogs and poultry across state lines.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey applauded the move, saying dealing with state officials is likely more acceptable to producers than dealing with USDA officials.

USDA officials said livestock born and bred inside the borders of a single state would not have to take part in tracking programs, even if their meat does cross state lines.

The Register said the federal tracking program stems from the administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush, who proposed the program in response to the first U.S. case of mad cow disease in 2003.

 BREAKING STORIES

Russia to conduct missile tests

START talks near completion, officials say

Nutritional training for doctors overdue

Older non-smokers gain most by smoking ban

Disease rates for Asian-Americans differ

Most older Canadians use 5 medications/day

Omega 3 may curb colon polyps

Asian carp prove elusive in Chicago canals

Obesity, passive smoke: Babies at risk

Chemical may protect MD patients' hearts

Songbirds may help solve speech disorders

U.N. group votes down tuna export ban

Raw sewage spills at Denver airport

Protected forests may slow climate change

NASA prepares to study arctic glaciers

New variety of lentil is developed

Wild turkey crashes through window

4-million-year-old killing is studied

Poisoned eggs may protect Cape Cod plovers

How healthcare reform affects consumers