South Dakota--Britton, Watertown, and Brookings will host meetings addressing the requirements of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). September 30, 2008 is the effective date in which Country of Origin Labeling, or COOL, becomes mandatory for producers of covered commodities.

According to Extension Educator, Tyler Melroe, the program will deliver details from the USDA through modern technology.

Meeting times will be:

1. Britton September 22, 10 am, Community Building
2. Watertown September 22, 7 pm, Codington Co. Ext. Complex
3. Brookings September 23, 10 am -Swiftel Center/Brookings Co. Ext.

While a large focus will be placed on COOL and it's mandates, SD Cooperative Extension professionals, along with Ryan Ollerich of ABS Global, will address fundamental issues affecting calf value. Topics will include Valuing your Feeder Cattle, Source and Age Verification, and Market Exploration.

As producers make important decisions pertaining to their 2008 calf crop, it is important that they remain informed on mandatory and optional factors that affect the value of their calf crop. Please contact Tyler Melroe at 605-448-5171, Rebecca Schafer at 605-874-2681, or Jim Krantz at 605-772-4661 for more information.