Beef: COOL expected to hurt Canadian beef less than previously predicted

Conforming to U.S. country-of-origin labelling requirements will mean some added cost for Canadian producers. But shrinking national herds and a positive outlook for prices may mitigate its impact

by MARY BAXTER

Country of origin labelling (COOL) legislation takes effect at the end of September in the United States and will no doubt take its toll on Canadian beef producers’ profit margins. But Dennis Laycraft, executive vice-president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), suggests that the hit will less than previously predicted and shifts in market demand, a shrinking national herd and a positive outlook for cattle prices may mitigate its impact.

Better Farming - August/September 2008