News

NAIS listening sessions in full swing

More than 150 people turned out forthe third National Animal ID System listening session in Austin, Texas this week. USDA heard from a wide range of producers and industry representatives. From the small producer with two cows and one horse and the organic goat cheese producer who lament government “intrusion” in theiroperations who way no matter what they won’t comply with NAIS – to the Texas pork producers, Texas feedlot operators, dairy producers and veterinarians who say a disease traceback system IS necessary to protect U.S. herds and the nation’s export markets. Government mistrust was a common theme amongmany of those against NAIS.

Kim Anderson, a livestock producer in Travis County, Texas accused USDA of having its mind made up a mandatory system, “Your discussion sessions this afternoon will allow us producers to provide ‘input’ on ways to make the program intosomething we can support. How thoughtful and kind of you as you attempt to erect a multitude of new offices and send hither swarms of offices to harass our people and eat our their substance.” Midway through the morning session, the APHIS facilitators announced that the group sessions would bewide open to anything attendees wanted to say for the record.

Brian McCluskey, APHIS director of vet services in the western region says these sessions are “democracy at work.” There are two more scheduled and he tells Brownfield they’re planning extra NAISlistening sessions in other states, likely in the Midwest, and will announce those new locations soon.

So far, NAIS listening sessions have been held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Pasco, Washington; Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Alabama; and will be in Louisville, Kentucky onMay 22nd; Storrs, Connecticut on May 27; Loveland, Colorado on June first.