The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, said the controversial plan to track livestock from birth to butcher shop needs input from those affected.
The announcement came after a hearing with several farm and ranch groups, including representatives from Montana, about the National Animal Identification System.
Many farmers and ranchers feel that the system is to overwhelming and unworkable. The program is intended to help track disease spread by animals.
“All of the groups that represent the cattle-raising West are pretty unanimous in our take on it,” said Gilles Stockton, of the Western Organization of Resource Councils. “We’re pretty skeptical.”
Currently the tracking system is purely optional, but if enforced everyone from large operators to small family farms would be required to register his or her animals. Ranchers would also have to track the movements of range animals. Newborns must be tagged within one day of birth. Producers must also report animal deaths within 24 hours.
There is no word when the system will be required, but input is wanted. If you are interested in participating in the trial please contact your FSA today.
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Tags: montana, national animal identification system, tom vilsack