With mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) taking effect Sept. 30, 2008, Iowa State University livestock experts are presenting a webcast 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,” says John Lawrence, Iowa Beef Center (IBC) director. “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 and several other Iowa State livestock analysts will speak on COOL at a webcast Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Host sites will be available so individuals can attend a nearby location to watch the speakers broadcast throughout the state.

Besides learning 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 about cattle, hog and corn market outlooks.

“In addition to COOL, there are other market uncertainties that producers should be prepared for,” says Lawrence.

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.