Idaho Governor Butch Otter has landed a deal for Moscow, Idaho-based BioTracking to sell pregnancy tests to China’s third-largest dairy. BioTracking, the developer of BioPRYN cattle pregnancy tests, signed a sales agreement April 16 with Shanghai Bright Dairy Co. Otter made the original pitch on behalf of BioTracking during a 2010 trade mission that included a meeting with Shanghai Bright officials. The officials invited Garth Sasser, a founder of BioTracking, to its meeting of dairy producers later that year.

Sasser and his wife, Nancy, then hosted Shanghai Bright officials in Moscow and showed them the company’s labs, arranged fishing trips, a Hells Canyon tour and a barbecue.

Otter and other state officials and Idaho companies made another trade trip to China April 14-21, which included BioTracking inking its deal with Shanghai Bright. Otter took part in the signing as well.

Nancy Sasser said Otter’s presence was critical because Chinese culture puts great value in influential government officials taking part in business deals. She said many Shanghai Bright officials wanted to be photographed with Otter, and he was happy to take part. PD

—From the Idaho Statesman