North Dakota officials praised South Korea's agreement Friday to resume U.S. beef imports that had been halted over worries about mad cow disease.

"U.S. beef is the safest, healthiest beef you'll find anywhere in the world," said Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D. "Both Korean consumers and American ranchers will benefit from this long-overdue step."

Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson traveled to Seoul last month as part of a trade mission. Dalrymple said Korean stores were stocking Australian beef at $40 per pound.

"They really prefer our beef and want our beef, and of course … they'd like to pay a lower price," Dalrymple said.

"The Koreans were well aware that as long as their U.S. beef import ban was in effect, there was not much chance Congress would pass the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement - something they want very much," Johnson said in a statement. He said the trade agreement could bring more sales of North Dakota canola, soybeans and other products.

The South Korean Agriculture Ministry said Friday that Seoul would allow American beef imports from cattle younger than 30 months, including cuts with bones. Younger cows are believed to be less at risk for mad cow disease.

South Korea will allow beef from older cattle after the U.S. strengthens controls on feed to reduce chances of infection.

South Korea suspended U.S. beef imports in 2003, after mad cow disease was discovered in the United States, cutting off what was then the third-largest market for American beef.

Restricted imports resumed last April, but have been on hold since October when a shipment contained animal parts that have been banned over mad cow fears.

Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said he was encouraged by the trade agreement.

"We've had promises made before by South Korea that have turned up empty," Conrad said. "I hope things will be different this time."

Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., said he met with South Korea trade officials last year to talk opening Korean markets to U.S. beef.

"I view this agreement as very welcome news," Pomeroy said.