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Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling to be Addressed
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| By: Tyler Melroe, Extension Educator |
September 17, 2008 |
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September 30, 2008 is the effective date in which Country of Origin Labeling, or COOL, becomes mandatory for producers of covered commodities. The commodities include, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and goat. As this date approaches, the anxiety of beef cattle producers looking at their fall marketing plan rises.
Britton, Watertown, and Brookings will host meetings addressing the requirements of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Any person engaged in the business of supplying a covered commodity to a retailer, whether directly or indirectly, will be affected by this mandatory program which becomes effective September 30, 2008.
Meeting times will be:
* Britton September 22, 10 am, Community Building
* Watertown September 22, 7 pm, Codington Co. Extension Complex
* Brookings September 23, 10 am -Swiftel Center/Brookings Co. Ext.
The program will deliver details from the USDA through modern technology. The primary area of concern has been record keeping requirements for producers and cattle feeders. Since the weight will lie on the shoulders of producers who have "first-hand knowledge" of the origin of the cattle, cow-calf producers will be a critical component to the success of this program.
In addition to cow-calf operators, livestock markets will play a pivotal role in the success of this program. Because of the volume of cattle that enter commerce through sale barns, extra pressure will be placed on livestock markets in keeping and checking country of origin records. Records will need to be kept by all parties for one year.
While a large focus will be placed on COOL and it's mandates, SD Cooperative Extension professionals, along with Ryan Ollerich of ABS Global, will address fundamental issues affecting calf value. Topics will include Valuing your Feeder Cattle, Source and Age Verification, and Market Exploration.
As producers make the important decisions, of when and how to market their 2008 calf crop, it is important that they remain informed on mandatory and optional factors that affect the value of their calf crop. Should you have questions, please contact Tyler Melroe at 605-448-5171, Rebecca Schafer at 605-874-2681, or Jim Krantz at 605-772-4661.
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©Marshall County Journal 2010
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