News Update
May 19, 2015
WTO Rules Against COOL Requirements
The United States will be readdressing its current Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements, following a May 18 announcement by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it has ruled against the current meat labeling standards.
The decision comes after a dispute with neighboring countries Mexico and Canada, which believe COOL disrupts economic partnernships and future trade opportunities. Now, the U.S. must revise its labeling requirements to meet global standards in order to avoid costly trade sanctions.
The regulations have been heavily debated by producers on both sides of the issue, and the latest WTO ruling is met with the same reaction.
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) President Steve Brooks, a Bowman, N.D., cow-calf and seedstock producer and former American Angus Association president, said: “The Stockmen’s Association supports labeling, but through the channels of free enterprise and entrepreneurship. The faulty, government-mandated approach has not benefited producers or consumers and, if not fixed, will jeopardize the livelihoods of North Dakota ranch families.”
United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) Director Emeritus Leo McDonnell said: “As stated by USCA previously, COOL provides consumers a choice at the grocery stores and the ability for U.S. cattle producers to differentiate their product. As other countries move to implement country-of-origin labeling programs, we are disappointed that today’s (May 18) ruling by the WTO contradicts this growing trend.”
Legislation Introduced in House to Repeal COOL
In response to the latest WTO ruling, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Conaway (R-Texas) introduced legislation (H.R. 2393) on May 19 to repeal the COOL requirements.
COOL was originally introduced in the 2002 Farm Bill covering beef, pork and chicken; and implemented in 2008. After multiple rulings against the United States by the WTO, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Philip Ellis said this action by Congress is long overdue.
“As a fifth-generation rancher I am proud of the products we produce, and we produce the best beef in the world, but mandatory labeling has only cost producers money without benefit,” said Ellis. “Continued economic analysis has shown that consumers do not use COOL information in their purchasing decisions, and despite implementation costs in excess of $1 billion for beef alone, these same reviews have found little or no economic benefit from this rule. It has resulted in discounts paid to U.S. producers like myself, and it is directly related to the closure of a number of processing plants and feedlots in the U.S.”
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson called the House bill to repeal COOL, “premature and reactionary,” noting that there remains ample opportunity for the administration, Mexico and Canada to negotiate an acceptable path forward.
“The best thing Congress could do is to step aside while the WTO process continues,” said Johnson. “As has happened with past disputes, WTO members can work together to find a solution that will work for them,” said Johnson. “In this case, such a solution must involve continuation of a meaningful process step — born, raised and slaughtered — labeling requirement.”
For more information, please view the full news releases from NCBA and NFU.
Drones in Agriculture
In 10 years, your drone may be the most economical, efficient and environmentally-friendly piece of equipment on your ranch, says Clay Dillow, writer for Fortune. In the next decade total domestic economic impact from drones is expected to reach $82.1 billion, and $75.6 billion will be from ag applications.
Quinn Jackson, information technology manager at Land View Inc., says drones will expand data capabilties on the ranch: “They’ll be able to be used to go out and scope out your ranch and be able to find where those cattle are … So with cattlemen this is a big deal. They’ll be able to locate their cattle on a ranch more quickly with a drone.
“They’re also looking at other technologies on drones such as infared and thermal to be able to go on a drone, so they will be able to watch for different termperatures,” Jackson says.
Read more ranch drone applications by watching the full The Angus Report online or on RFD-TV this Wednesday at 5 p.m. CDT or Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CDT.
Canadian Angus National Convention
The 2015 Canadian Angus National Convention will be hosted in Calgary, Alta., June 4 through June 6. National Convention includes the Annual General Meeting for the Canadian Angus Association (CAA) coupled with tours, events and hospitality amongst industry leaders, reinforcing it as a must-attend event for progressive Angus breeders and for all cattlemen who utilize Angus genetics.
A convention highlight is Commercial Cattlemen’s Connection Day on June 5. Open to the public, the CAA invites commercial cattle producers and industry representatives to attend the event. The day will begin with a panel discussion consisting of industry stakeholders, Rich Vesta, Rick Wright, Fred Taylor, Tom Fenwick and Lyle Miller. Keynote speakers, Kent Anderson from Zoetis and Matt Sutton-Vermeulen from The Prasino Group will follow the panel discussion. Tours to Growsafe, Alta Genetics and Harmony Beef will commence in the afternoon and there will be a BBQ supper to conclude the evening at Angus Central.
Registration continues for National Convention until one week before the event. More information is available online or by calling 1-888-571-3580. You do not want to miss out on this great learning and networking opportunity.
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