Congress must protect labling on beef products

The farm economy is tough. Family farmers are paid below cost of production. For instance, cattle producers are losing money per head. Therefore, support from Senator Ernst and Senator Grassley and Iowa's US House Representatives is critical.

The transformation from hog production from family farms to mega corporations was stolen away by manipulation of markets by big corporations. The same thing is now happening with beef production.

Right now, USDA allows foreign-grown beef to be imported and repackaged in USA and be labeled a product of USA.

Ask consumers if they want country-of-origin-labeling (COOL) on beef in the grocery store. Ask cattle raisers if they want COOL on packaged beef?

Thus, why the puzzle that are our congressional representatives are not introducing or signing onto legislation to enact COOL on beef? There are numerous excuses. The truth is, meatpackers oppose COOL. The truth is our NAFTA partners of Mexico and Canada oppose the USA placing COOL on beef. The truth is Iowa's Republican and Democratic Congressional Senate and House members equally refuse to introduce or sign onto COOL beef legislation.

The truth is, family farmers need to contact their congressional representatives. The truth is, COOL can be passed by Congress.

John Clayton

Grinnell