From: bcaswell@benchmarkmanagement.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 5:55 PM
To: MarketingClaim
Subject: grass-fed beef



I would like to comment on the proposed usda label on grass-fed beef.  As a Chef
and a buyer of beef products I have come to know and recognize the grass-fed
brand to mean pastured raised from birth to harvest and in addition to mean no
hormones and no antibiotics. I believe it should remain that way so that small
and large producers have a way of differing themselves and their product from
those who do raise in feed lots and use hormones and antibiotics.  Without this
difference I believe it would mislead most consumers and essentially render the
brand meaningless while also eliminating the niche market in which so many small
farmers benefit from those who are seeking that particular (more all natural
product). 



Thanks for all you help in this matter



Sincerely





Bryan C. Caswell

Executive Chef

Hotel ICON

BANK  Jean-Georges

Houston, TX  77005

Office - 832-667-4473

Cell - 713-254-1438

Fax - 713-223-3223