RICHMOND –The first direct export of Virginia Holstein bulls to Russia has been completed, marking Virginia’s entry into Russia’s growing market for cattle and genetics imports. 

Vistar Farms of Hanover County, working in partnership with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, arranged the shipment. 

"I’m pleased that Virginia’s dairy cattle industry has finally entered Russia, already one of Virginia’s top agricultural export markets," said Gov. Bob McDonnell. 

Russia has allowed the importation of U.S. cattle since 2008. 

"This is exciting news for Virginia, to get our foot in the door of what looks like a market with attractive potential for growth in the years ahead," said Spencer Neale, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. "Moving livestock long distances is less common than it used to be since technology has made it easier to transport genetics in other forms, primarily for artificial insemination. 

"However, in order for countries to meet growing demand for dairy and meat products, live-animal genetics have become more attractive as a way to move the process along quicker and with more predictability." 

The Russian market for live animal imports is valued at more than $300 million annually. Russia imported 35,000 live cattle in 2009, 38,000 in 2010 and about 55,000 in 2011. The United States now accounts for approximately $10 million of Russia’s live cattle business. 

Contact Neale at 804-290-1153.