CALGARY, Alta. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the first permits to allow the first shipments of boneless beef yesterday, since the May 20 ban prompted by a case of mad cow disease.

No details were announced as to how much meat is now en route to the U.S., however Brooks Mayor Don Weisbeck told the Calgary Sun it was a huge step forward.

“It means a lot,” said Brooks Mayor Don Weisbeck. “This is just a trial effort to see how the system works because it’s quite a complex process with permits being established, trucks being sealed and ranches being certified.”

David Hegwood, special trade adviser with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said his department will monitor the flow of beef.

“That it’s happening so quickly is good,” Weisbeck told local media. “Hopefully, by some time next week, we’ll see real truckloads going across. Every little bit helps. As soon as we can get those muscle cuts going, we can work on getting live cattle across. We’ve got a long way to go, but at least we’re going in the right direction.”