On Tuesday, the House Rules Committee met to mark up the rule for the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012 (H.R. 6156), which would repeal the law established during the Cold War.

According to National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus, a yea vote by Congress would grant the beef industry greater access to a strong market for U.S. beef.

"Russia has experienced a 24 percent increase in U.S. beef sales since 2011 and is currently the fifth largest export market for U.S. beef with nearly $242 million in U.S. beef sold to Russia through September 2012," said Bacus. "Additionally, Russian demand for U.S. live cattle is through the roof. The demand for America's superior genetics and technology has created a tremendous opportunity for American cattle producers who are willing to expand into this growing market."

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 48,000 head of U.S. live cattle were sold to Russia from January to September 2012.

Bacus added that though establishing these trade relations with Russia is a positive for the cattle industry, that hurdles still need to be overcome.

"While the promise of greater market access is enticing, there remain a few concerns with the non-tariff barriers," he said. "In order for U.S. beef producers to expand their operations to meet demand in Russia, it is important to know that U.S. beef will not be subject to market-disrupting non-science based standards."

-- NCBA Beltway Beef newsletter