By Alabama Public Radio
Springdale, AR – Arkansas-based Tyson Foods says it will be next year before it sees effects from Japan's decision to ease a ban on U-S beef imports. Japan accounted for half of all U-S beef exports before the 2003 ban. Tyson says suppliers from other countries have made up for the lack of U-S beef in Japan. Also, Tyson says sales to Japan would be limited by restrictions and new procedures for verifying cattle ages. The company says it hopes the move would trigger an end to similar bans in other Asian countries. Tyson operates five processing plants in north Alabama.