Q:        Why do people have a beef with labeling the origin of the meat sold in grocery stores?

A:        A lot of people want to know where the food on their tables comes from.  Today, many food retailers are required to inform consumers about the country of origin of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, ginseng, and ground muscle cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and goat, thanks to legislation first passed as part of the farm bill in 2002, and updated along with the farm bill in 2008.  The origin of almost everything you buy in the United States is labeled, so it's a no-brainer to provide the same information about meat and produce.  Consumers deserve to know, and for producers, it's a positive opportunity to build consumer confidence.  Unfortunately, making the law a reality for meat labeling, in particular, was a long and difficult process.  For too long, the U.S. Department of Agriculture delayed implementation by relying on inaccurate information provided by meat processors and containing gross over-estimates about the cost of providing this information to consumers.  Before the 2008 update, congressional committees responsible for funding agricultural programs withheld funds for COOL.

Q:        What's the situation today?

A:        In November, the World Trade Organization (WTO) sided with Canada and Mexico in a challenge by those countries both to COOL rules and voluntary suggestions from the administration to provide useful origin information to consumers.  A trade dispute resolution panel of the WTO said the United States has the authority to require labeling, but the way our program works is unfair to livestock producers in Canada and Mexico.  That's baloney.  The labeling system in place in the United States gives imported livestock the same opportunity to compete in the U.S. marketplace that it had before COOL was implemented.  What's more, Canada, Mexico and other countries require country-of-origin information to be provided to consumers in their own countries.

Q:        What can be done about the WTO ruling?

A:        At this point, the panel decision either will be adopted by a WTO Dispute Settlement Body, or an appeal to the decision will be considered by a WTO Appellate Body.  Some groups are urging the administration to find a way to settle the dispute without further WTO proceedings, but it's time for top U.S. officials to appeal without delay.  In December, I urged the U.S. Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa's former governor Tom Vilsack, to challenge the panel decision.  Eighteen other senators signed the letter which also urged these agency leaders to make sure that the COOL program meets international trade obligations while continuing to provide valuable information to consumers.  The administration's handling of this WTO dispute will be closely monitored by many of us in Congress.  I encourage them to take all necessary steps to defend our COOL regulations.  America's farmers deliver an abundant, affordable and safe food supply, and they deserve credit for it.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Company credits teamwork and commitment in attaining important milestone

BURLINGTON, Iowa - (December 19, 2011) - Winegard Co. claimed a significant national award for surpassing one million injury-free work hours at its facilities. That means no work time lost to injuries in more than a year for the antenna manufacturer that proudly makes its antennas in the U.S.A.

The National Safety Council recognized Winegard for notable performance in occupational safety and health with the Million Work Hours Award. This award recognizes the achievement of one million consecutive work hours without an occupational injury or illness resulting in days away from work or death.

"It took a tremendous amount of teamwork to achieve this award," said Vic Kohlhof Winegard safety director. "Only a very few elite companies ever achieve such a phenomenal goal and we're proud to be one of them. I'd like to express our gratitude to everyone at the company for their commitment to our safety programs, from all the team members to the hiring manager."

"Safety compliance and an accident-free workplace allow Winegard to keep costs down," added Kohlhof. "It allows us to provide our customers with the lowest-total-cost-products made by skilled, experienced workers in the U.S. enabling Winegard to be competitive in the global marketplace."

About Winegard
Winegard Company is a respected world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative antenna products for satellite and terrestrial communications. Since its founding in 1954, Winegard's pioneering solutions have shaped the industry for home, recreational vehicle (RV), truck, marine, medical and automotive antennas. The company's VSAT 2-way antennas provide real-time broadband solutions for extreme and remote environments in support of the oil and gas industries, as well as military and emergency response teams. Winegard is a privately-owned company that designed the first antenna for the U.S. It has designed more than 1,000 antenna models and does custom antenna design and development work. To learn more about Burlington, Iowa-based Winegard, visit http://www.winegard.com or call 800-288-8094.

Each year from mid-December through February, thousands of bald eagles migrate south to winter along the Mississippi River near the lock and dams. Turbulence created below the dams provides open water and a smorgasbord of stunned fish for eagles to feast upon. In addition, the wooded bluffs that overlook the Mississippi are excellent habitat for roosting and an increasing number of cases nesting. It's not uncommon to see more than 10 eagles in one tree!

Bring your binoculars and take a trip this winter to this Upper Mississippi River region in Iowa and Illinois to catch a glimpse, perhaps for the first time, of the country's national symbol. Take part in the many bald eagle watches throughout January and February in the communities that line the banks of the Great River Road from Dubuque, Iowa, south to Quincy, Illinois. For more information on planning a winter Mississippi River getaway, visit www.TravelMississippiRiver.org

TravelMississippiRiver.org is now hosting a contest so you can win a weekend getaway this winter to go eagle watching in one of five different communities along the Mississippi River in Illinois and Iowa. Sign up today at www.TravelMississippiRiver.org. The contest continues through January 20, 2012.

Weekend getaways include : Quad Cities, Iowa and Ill. - January 6-8. This package includes four tickets to Bald Eagle Days, the Midwest's largest event dedicated to bald eagles, and an overnight stay at the Ramada in Bettendorf, Iowa with an indoor pool and complimentary deluxe hot breakfast. Drawing will be held on December 20, 2011.

Galena/Jo Daviess County, Ill. - January 15, February 12 or 26. Pack your bags for an exquisite bald eagle watching getaway! Stay overnight at Illinois' oldest operating hotel, DeSoto House Hotel, located directly on Galena's Main Street. Enjoy breakfast for two at their Courtyard Restaurant before you board the bus for the half-day tour. Eagle Nature Foundation's Terrence Ingram will lead you on an insightful tour of bald eagle habitats, feeding habits, migration movements, life history and survival problems. Bring your binoculars and telescopes to Galena and Jo Daviess County this winter! Drawing will be held on December 27, 2011.

Muscatine, Iowa - January 27-29. This Eagles & Ivories Getaway Package includes two tickets to the Eagles & Ivories Ragtime Concert Series, an overnight stay for two at the Clarion Hotel, and $50.00 in Muscatine Chamber Bucks redeemable at restaurants, shops, and more. Drawing will be held on January 4, 2012.

Quincy, Ill. - January 28-29. The Microtel Inn & Suites in Quincy is hosting a special FAB Getaway for you and it includes food, architecture and bald eagles. Tour an exclusive East End home, as well as the Villa Kathrine, watch for bald eagles at the local lock & dam and enjoy excellent cuisine! Drawing will be held on January 4, 2012.

Henderson County, Ill. - February 4. This getaway includes a one night stay at the historical Hotel Lynn in Biggsville. Enjoy a fun-filled day of eagle watching at Lock & Dam 18 with complimentary refreshments. Many eagles will be on-site nestled in the trees along the banks of the powerful Mississippi. A copy of the new Henderson County commercial is included in your prize package so you can show your friends where you went on your trip! Drawing will be held on January 20, 2012.

More than a dozen travel & tourism groups in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois have joined forces to promote traveling along the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Visit www.TravelMississippiRiver.org or find us on Facebook to check out regional events, trendy shopping areas, charming restaurants and historic sites. Use the website to plan your next getaway!