 |
| CLICK HERE TO VIEW CURRENT ISSUE |
|
 |
|
A NEW ERA OF CATTLE IDENTIFICATION IS ON THE HORIZON
May 24, 2019
Source: Producers Traceability Council News Release
In meetings last week, the Producer Traceability Council reached consensus on two major points to increase the number of cattle identified in the U.S. The Council unanimously agreed the best option for the cattle industry moving forward is to work toward the adoption of a Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio identification system and the timeline for adoption of the system mirror that of USDA's timeline for the sunsetting of the metal tags with complete implementation no later than January 1, 2023.
The newly formed Producer Traceability Council has evolved and was established independently of the Cattle Traceability Working Group (CTWG). The focus is specifically on ways to increase the number of cattle identified with electronic identification devices, increase the number of sightings of identified cattle, identify methods of data storage, and suggest cost sharing scenarios, while taking into consideration and minimizing negative effects on producers.
"The cattle traceability issue is complex and concerns nearly everyone involved in the production, marketing, processing, and animal health aspects of the industry," said Chuck Adami, co-chair of the Council and CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Assn.
"The importance of a workable traceability system cannot be overstated given the need to effectively trace animals in the event of an animal health event. In addition, increasing pressure from consumers and our export partners demanding a robust traceability system solidifies the need to get a system in place sooner rather than later."
|
|
|
|
|
