From: jenwalsh1219@msn.com
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 2:32 PM
To: MarketingClaim
Subject: Grass-Fed Rule



To: Martin E. O’Conner, chief of the standardization branch of the Department of
Agriculture’s livestock and feed program

RE: Proposed Grass-Fed Rule

Consumers who purchase organic and natural products and who seek out products
from animals that are “grass fed” know EXACTLY what they and the producers mean
by that phrase.  They are pasture-raised, and they are not fed grain, and
certainly not immature corn silage.  Corn in any form is GRAIN.  Cows eat grass,
not grain.  Cows roam pastures and don’t live in feedlots.

Our USDA department's objective is to ensure that labeling is clear to all
consumers.  What cattle are fed (grass versus grains), how they are fed (pasture
versus confinement) and given (antibiotics & hormones versus no antibiotics &
hormones) makes a difference and should be clearly labeled.  I don't believe the
differences are complicated.  It is a black and white action and any time it
feels like it is more complicated, then the influence should be examined. 
Labeling should be straightforward.   

I appreciate the efforts and challenges faced by farmers who look for an easy
way to get their beef to consumers like me.  However, I will not stand for this
gray area of labeling and neither should you.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Walsh

9539 Lakeshore Blvd NE

Seattle, WA 98115



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