USDA is looking at development of a voluntary standard to address production practices associated with the term "naturally raised" for livestock. As such, the agency's Ag Marketing Service (AMS) plans three listening sessions to discuss definitions for such a labeling claim.

All listening sessions are set for 1 p.m. local time, and interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide either verbal or written comments. For more info, visit www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/; or contact Martin E. O'Connor at 202-720-4486 or martin.oconnor@usda.gov.

The dates and locations of the sessions are:

• Dec. 11 -- Jefferson Auditorium, USDA South Building, Washington, D.C.
  
• Jan. 17 -- Hyatt Regency Tech Center, Denver, CO; 303-779-1234.
  
• Jan. 18 -- Seattle Marriott SeaTac Airport, Seattle, WA; 206-241-2000.