11/05/2005

SD Stockgrowers Remind Producers - Premise Sign Up Not Required

Ranchers and farmers in South Dakota do not have to register for a premise number with the state, according to South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) Region 1 Vice President and Chairman of the Animal ID Committee Kenny Fox, Belvidere, S.D.

“In the last couple of days, my neighbors and I have all received forms from the state Animal Industry Board to fill out and return, in order to obtain a premise number from the state, for animal identification purposes,” said Fox. “When I look at the form, it appears that I’m under obligation to return it, and to get signed up for a premise number, but actually that is not the case. There is no state or federal law requiring producers to identify their animals or to register for a premise number. At this point in the game, everything is still voluntary.”

Fox said that producers should be careful before entering into something that they haven’t checked into. “Personally, I’m concerned with USDA’s latest announcement that they want to contract with a national private organization, NCBA, for management of an animal id program. It is my understanding that no provision exists in law to substantiate a deal like that. If I were to sign up my ranch right now, there is a good chance that NCBA could have access to that information, and that makes me very uncomfortable.”

In addition, Fox says several animal id pilot projects around the country have proven that tracking livestock with electronic id tags is no more effective, and in some cases much less effective than existing systems. “Without knowing what the state or federal government or NCBA plan to do with my premise number, I’m apprehensive about turning over information about my premise. Plus I’m concerned that premise registration will lead to a mandatory animal id program.”

According to Fox, animal identification, as well as premise registration is absolutely voluntary, and it is up to each producer to choose whether he or she wants to participate. “In Western South Dakota, we’ve got an effective and cost-efficient tracking system with brand inspection. My brand is my return address for my cattle and the paperwork that accompanies my cattle when they are sold allows them to be traced back to my ranch. There is no reason to worry about changing the system. It’s working.”

Another reason Fox cites for avoiding premise registration comes from a public statement made by USDA Secretary Mike Johanns recently. “Johanns claimed that over 100,000 producers are in support of a national animal id program, because that’s the number of farmers and ranchers who have signed up for a premise number. If I’m going to be considered a ‘supporter’ of national animal id just by obtaining a premise number, I will refuse to do so as long as it is voluntary.”

Fox says ranchers might want to use the form letters they received from the Animal Industry Board to voice their thoughts and comments about animal identification, and return those suggestions to the board.

Fox respects and appreciates the Animal Industry Board for their work on important industry issues, including this one. “I don’t blame the Animal Industry Board – it’s just unfortunate that USDA expects the states to do the groundwork on this controversial subject. Obviously, the Animal Industry Board has handled animal health issues in the past with caution and integrity and I’m sure this will be no different. However, USDA has made little mention of the state animal health agencies’ roles ever since they announced their intentions to privatize animal id.”