Protect your livestock - stand against the USDA mandate

By Scout Nelson

Not long ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) abandoned its controversial National Animal Identification System (NAIS), which mandated electronic eartags for all cattle.

This system required producers to register their premises and report cattle movements, drawing significant backlash from livestock farmers who viewed it as government overreach and an unnecessary burden.

In 2013, the USDA introduced a new rule titled “Traceability for Livestock Moving Interstate,” allowing cattle to be identified with various tags while eliminating the requirement for premises registration.

This change aimed to enhance traceback capabilities for cattle shipped across state lines, seemingly addressing producers' concerns. However, recent developments suggest the USDA's intentions may have shifted.

On August 29, 2024, the USDA announced plans to implement a phased system for tracking animals from birth to slaughter.

A new rule set to take effect on November 5 will require cattle producers to use high-cost electronic identification (EID) eartags for adult cattle moved across state lines.

Notably, while the rule mandates the use of EID tags, it does not require the electronic reading of these tags, limiting its effectiveness in disease traceability.

In response to these developments, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association is organizing a Livestock Producers Freedom Rally on October 7 at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The event will feature key speakers, including U.S. Senator Mike Rounds and Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, who previously halted similar USDA mandates.

The rally aims to galvanize support for legislative efforts to overturn the USDA’s EID mandate. Proposed legislation includes a Senate bill sponsored by Senators Rounds and Hawley to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from enforcing EID eartags, as well as resolutions in both the House and Senate disapproving of the mandate.

Producers and supporters are encouraged to attend the rally, as their participation is vital in the fight against the USDA's electronic tagging requirements.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar