With mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) taking effect Sept. 30, 2008, Iowa State livestock experts are coming together to help producers understand how they will be affected.
“There’s no need for producers to panic, but we should pay attention and be prepared,” John Lawrence, Iowa Beef Center director, said. “Sellers are likely to ask for an affidavit stating the origin of the animal, but buyers’ normal records should be sufficient to back up the affidavit.”
Lawrence, along with several other Iowa State livestock experts, will be speaking at a COOL webcast held Aug. 25, 2008, at 7 p.m. Host sites will be available so individuals can attend a nearby location to watch the speakers broadcast throughout the state. For an up-to-date list of host sites, visit the IBC Web site.
Along with hearing details about COOL’s impact on beef producers from Lawrence, and its impact on pork producers from Iowa Pork Industry Center Director John Mabry, attendees will also hear updates on cattle, hog and corn market outlook.
To learn more about the COOL webcast, including information about local host sites, contact Taylor Gerling, IBC communications specialist, at 515-708-4133 or tgerling@iastate.edu. Further details are also available on the IBC Web site, along with the IBC COOL resource section.
For questions or comments, contact Beef Today .
