Mississippi Daily Grain Report (Includes Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum and Corn)

There has been a lot of discussion about Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling since it has become law.  According to the USDA, cattle producers and marketers are not regulated parties under COOL.  The meat packers are the first handlers of a covered commodity and are responsible for making the initial origin claims.  Meat packers may impose requirements on their supply chain relative to records or access to records.

The Interim Final Rule establishes that producer affidavits and other records used in the normal course of business can substantiate country of origin claims.  In the case of affidavits, the information provided must be from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the claims made in the affidavit (the producer).

The linked universal affidavit statement could be used by any operation in the livestock chain attesting to Country of Origin of Livestock, but particularly for first-level producers (cow/calf producers).  This affidavit is one that was developed by 70 representatives of over 30 livestock industry sector, species and food organizations and companies who met in Kansas City in September to work on compliance issues for COOL.

Trichomoniasis has raised its ugly head in Louisiana and CPL wants to keep its members informed.  With the assistance from member Mack Lea, retired state veterinarian, and contributions from Dr. Christine Navarre Extension Veterinarian/Dr. Henry Moreau State Veterinarian we are able to provide the following information from the link below.

Bovine Trichomoniasis Letter to CPL Members