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Interest in traceability programs on the rise

The president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says interest in a national disease traceability program is on the rise.  It’s an issue that has been divisive in the cattle industry.  But, NCBA president Kevin Kester says attitudes are changing.

“Maybe a few years ago if I would have wanted to come and talk about traceability – I’d get run out of the room,” he says.  “Now, I have producers coming to me wanting to know about traceability and showing interest in having that discussion.”

He tells Brownfield it’s important for cattle producers to be engaged in in the process to help shape any future programs.

“If we were to have a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in this country, that would take away the discussion because we would be forced to have immediate and mandatory traceability,” he says.  

Kester says he anticipates a robust discussion about traceability during policy sessions this week.  

CattleTrace, a cattle traceability pilot project was launched in Kansas last summer.  

AUDIO: Kevin Kester, NCBA president