COOL

SwineCast 0638 Show Notes:

• The World Trade Organization recently found the U.S. Country Of Origin Labeling law to not be fulfilling the stated objectives and impeding access to U.S. markets by our trading partners.  With two perspectives of the issue today, we hear from Kansas State Extension Livestock Economist Glynn Tonsor and Canadian economist Kevin Grier.

We continue to bring conversations from the Leman Conference. Up this week is a good review of sow feeding systems by Dr. Laura Greiner.

Also, you'll want to stay on top of the GIPSA regulation conversation. NPPC Board Member Mark Legan shares his concerns and strongly encourages getting your thoughts in before the deadline of November 22, 2010.

Finally, we are hearing good things from the corn fields. And the hogs are happily eating away at this tasty new crop. Hope yours are too.

SwineCast 0587 Show Notes:

• Canada recently provided testimony to the World Trade Organization on the U.S. Country Of Origin Labeling Law.  Canada believes it's function transcends consumer information to limiting market access.  Bruce Cochrane of Farmscape.ca talks with Florian Possberg.

SwineCast 0464 Show Notes:

• Dr David Acheson shares the key issues for the Food and Drug Administration in dealing with food safety and traceability, from the NIAA ID/Info Expo conference in KC.

     According to the USDA talking points released yesterday (1/12/2009) regarding the final estimates for implementing country of origin labeling:

1. The first year implementation costs for directly affected firms is estimated to be 2.629 billion dollars.

2. Costs per firm are estimated to be $370 for each producer, $48,219 for intermediaries, and $254,685 for each retailer.

3. The estimated cost in higher food prices and reduced food production in the tenth year after implementation is 211.9 million dollars.

     Now for the benefits expected:

     "The expected benefits from the implementation of this rule are difficult to quantify.  The Agency's conclusion remains unchanged, which is that the economic benefits will be small and will accrue mainly to those consumers who desire country of origin information." 

SwineCast 0360 Show Notes:

• Canadian correspondent Bruce Cochrane shares this news conference on action by Canada to bring the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling law before the World Trade Organization.

SwineCast 0346 Show Notes:

• Enriching the biosecurity in your transport system
• MycoFLEX offering from BI kills two birds with one injection
• Canadian companies willing to wait and see what impact COOL has on movement

Mark Greenwood
June 2008

SwineCast 0332 Show Notes:

• Research on links to low birthweight and pork quality from the Prairie Swine Centre
• COOL Update with the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board
• David Funderburke of Cape Fear Consulting delves into the use of alternative feedstuffs to help get through tough times

SwineCast 0329 Show Notes:

• USDA crop report should reflect in lower corn prices
• Country of Origin Labeling... Time for the rubber to meet the road
• Doing business with China. Dr Steven McOrist shares his experience in dealing with this important trading partner