Translation of Askhat’s post (KAZ, RUS)

Before it marks its Independence Day (16 December), Kazakhstan is set to receive 2040 cows from North Dakota. The first shipment was supposed to arrive this week. Yet, according to Kazakh reports, the $50 million deal will bring only 2020 cows to Akmolinskaia region. Why the discrepancy?

According to The State newspaper, “UPS officials say it’s the first time the company had hauled a herd of bovines in the belly of one of its Boeing 747 freighters.” They are “being sent to help rebuild the former Soviet republic’s beef industry.”

On 12 October, the first shipment arrived in Astana on a Kalitta Air Boeing 747, carrying the first of 2040 Angus and Hereford cows supplied by Global Beef Consultants LLC. The rest will be delivered by 15 December. So it says in the foreign press. Here is what our journalists say:

In accordance with the memorandum signed earlier, Мал өнімдері корпорациясы, a subsidiary of KazAgro, has begun to work with the American company Global Beef on their joint venture. The stock farm, which is currently under construction, will soon receive its first shipment of high-yielding cattle.

The first 80 tons of cattle was delivered to Astana this week. While The State writes that 170 cows were shipped, Kazakparat reports that 162 cows arrived, which begs the question: what happened to 8 cows?

Kazakparat reports:

…Kazakhstan received its first shipment from North Dakota (USA), an aircraft carrying 162 cows, which are soon due to bear calves. The flight went well. The American supplier had a veterinarian and a number of specialists on board, who oversaw the transportation process. The cows were subsequently transported to a birthing facility. As part of the project, a total of 2020 cows will be shipped.

Again, there is a discrepancy, because the American press reports that 2040 cows were shipped. Either they dissolved into thin air on the way to Kazakhstan, or… look out for 8 flying heifers!