WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today held a hearing on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and trade retaliation where the Committee heard testimony from Emporia cattleman and president of the Kansas Livestock Association, Jaret Moyer.

“I invited Mr. Moyer to give his firsthand knowledge of the impact of COOL on Kansas producers,” Roberts said. “His testimony was especially helpful in showing members the true cost of COOL. According to Mr. Moyer, Kansas State University research has estimated the cost of COOL to Kansans to be $500 million.”

“From burdensome record keeping, to line sorting and segregation, and to the actual label itself, all segments of the beef industry have been paying the costs of COOL since it went into effect in October 2008,” Moyer said. “All segments of the U.S. beef industry have been impacted negatively by COOL.”

For Moyer’s prepared testimony and to watch the hearing, click here.

During questioning, Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., asked Mr. Moyer about the potential for a voluntary label consistent with WTO rules (which Canada has said will not prevent retaliation). Mr. Moyer recounted a time when he purchased farm equipment at an auction – against the better judgement of his wife – which he put a large amount of labor into and ended up taking it to the salvage yard.

“She was right; I was wrong,” he said. “I think that is where we are at with the COOL issue – that it’s time to go ahead and repeal it. Allow industry to realize premiums and not make industry realize costs.”

Jaret and his wife Shawna grow lightweight calves in the Flint Hills. He also serves as President of Citizens State Bank and Trust Company with locations in Woodbine, Bremen, Gypsum and Reading. He is president of the Kansas Livestock Association, a 5,200 member trade association representing all segments of the cattle industry, dairy producers and landowners.

Click here to watch Mr. Moyer’s testimony.