NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS ON THE HORIZON

By Paul Ritter, DVM

Because of the BSE panic in the United States , federal regulations on monitoring and tracking the movement of cattle have become an increasing issue. In the near future, producers will most likely have to deal with a national ID system. This ID system will entail all animals that have been on the producer's premise and any movements associated with these animals, such as to different pastures, sale barns, or wherever they may go. Producers will probably be required to use electronic identification in the form of ear tags to track the movements of their cattle.

The new ID requirements will affect producers in many ways. Although the initial legwork may seem to be a headache, it can actually be considered a blessing in disguise for those producers with initiative. This will be an opportunity for producers to integrate their herd health program with the federal monitoring requirements. This can easily be incorporated into the producer's record keeping system, potentially replacing the pencil and notepad. Optimally, the producer should be able to link their herd health program, breeding program, and carcass evaluation together with the national ID system requirements. With this accomplishment, the producer not only meets federal requirements but also has a beneficial marketing tool.

Before the national ID system becomes mandatory, I encourage you to embrace this new technology. Producers who take advantage of the opportunity offered by the ID system will realize benefits in terms of improving their herd and being ahead of the curve on marketing their product.