COOL Update

The mandatory country-of-origin labeling law that passed as part of the 2002 Farm Bill has stirred the interest of livestock producers throughout the United States. As producers, we are a proud lot and proud of the products we produce. But the question is, what will be the cost of program implementation and to what degree will those in the food chain need to change their current procedures to comply with the mandatory labeling law set to go into effect on September 30, 2004.

Latest News:

On July 14, 2003, the United States House of Representatives put into motion a delay of one year for enforcement of country of origin labeling. They voted to withhold Agriculture Department funding for enforcement of the rules for one year. This recommendation will then go to the US Senate which looks to be in favor of COOL enforcement. The measure then goes to a joint House-Senate committee that will decide on a compromise bill to be voted on by both bodies.

What does this mean to producers? 

1. You need to contact your United States Legislators and tell then what you think and how COOL will affect your operation and in the future. Addresses, fax numbers and emails are available at the Extension Center.

2. Ask the folks where you plan to sell your animals what type of information they will require from you at sale time.

3. Calves born this year (2003) might come under the mandatory COOL requirements. Try and implement an identification system that will help with the audit trail process as well as improve your herd management. These records must be retained for at least two years. Suggestions for possible supporting records include, but are not limited to: birth records, shipping, receiving and transportation records, purchase records, animal identification system, sales receipts, feeding records and bills, animal inventory records, performance records and health records.

4. So, as producers they are telling us to "Hurry up and wait!!!" Final rules should be published by September 30, 2004. We will try to keep you updated as information becomes available.

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		Matt Herring - Agronomy/Natural Resources Ken Bolte - Farm Management/Livestock Franklin County University Extension Center Last revised: 11/28/05		Go to Franklin County University Extension Center page