Disease traceability is a big topic among cattle producers to protect their herds. The Oklahoma Farm Report recently talked with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association which says they want the industry to be prepared.
“That continues to be an issue that is really important. When you start to look at what would happen if we had an FMD outbreak, and if we were in a situation we were needing to demonstrate those areas of the country that were FMD-free to get beef moving again, having that data access to state animal health data to demonstrate that these animals are safe for transport and for harvest and for exports, starts with having that animal disease traceability system. Obviously, USDA is working through a rule-making right now on their mandatory ID for breeding animals over 18 months, sexually intact, moving interstate. So about 11 percent of the herd, we are working on our side of that with our voluntary plan for working through that. We’re going to continue to weigh in with USDA on the need to make sure that producers aren’t bearing the cost of doing this at the ranch gate. This benefits the whole supply chain, it’s food safety, and a national security issue,” said Ethan Lane.
Lane emphasizes that whatever the course of action is, he wants to ensure the producer is in control versus taking orders from a government mandate.
