Central Livestock Letter

Dear Commissioner,

I am writing on behalf of Central Livestock Association, Inc., a livestock marketing cooperative representing nearly 25,000 producers across the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, and northern Iowa. The reason for this letter pertains to the prohibition of the use of downed animals in the human food supply.

As manager of the South St. Paul livestock market, I have the responsibility to enforce a policy which states that non- ambulatory livestock will not be permitted to be unloaded from or loaded onto another vehicle if they are unable to walk. These animals are euthanized and disposed of in a proper fashion. Livestock producers have insurance to cover financial loss if the animals are injured while in transit to market.

Livestock that die while in transit or must be euthanized after they arrive as a result of illness should not be reimbursed to the farmer and definitely should not be taken to a processor and enter the human food supply.

Our organization supports any effort which helps insure the high quality of our nation's food supply and insures continued consumer confidence.

Sincerely,

Curt Zimmerman, Vice President
Central Livestock Association