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Stop Mandatory Electronic ID (EID) for Cattle & Bison
The USDA’s new rule on Animal Identification [9 C.F.R. § 86.4(a)(1)(i)], has gone into effect, requiring that adult cattle and bison crossing state lines have a tag that is both electronically and visually readable.
We’ve already heard reports of veterinarians being unable to get the traditional low-tech forms of official ID even for those cows moving just within the state, and having to use an electronic ID instead. This is one of the many problems with the rule that we predicted!
The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) and several allied groups and ranchers are being represented by the New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA) in a lawsuit to reverse the rule. NCLA has formally requested that USDA postpone enforcement of this rule to allow for more dialogue and adjustments to reduce the negative impacts on farmers and ranchers.
To view the letter submitted by the New Civil Liberties Alliance, click here.
Your voice can make a difference. Act now to support our farmers and protect the future of sustainable, small-scale agriculture!
ACTION TO TAKE
1. Contact Secretary Tom Vilsack at the USDA to urge him to delay this rule’s enforcement. Call the USDA Office of the Secretary at: (202) 720-7100 .
2. Contact your U.S. Representative(s) and urge them to also weigh in with USDA. Need help identifying or contacting your House Representative?
To find your U.S. Representatives, enter your address at
https://www.congress.gov/members
Highlight the Impact: Let them know that rushing implementation could cause even greater harm to small farms. Remind them that our farmers deserve the flexibility to choose what works best for their operations, especially when it comes to on-farm practices and Animal ID.
TALKING POINTS
1. The rule will impose unnecessary costs and burdens on small farms, many of which are already operating on tight margins.
2. The implementation timeline for the rule doesn’t allow enough time for farmers to adapt, nor does it consider the unique needs of small-scale.
3. Small farmers and ranchers are essential to our food system, and they deserve policies that support—not hinder—their efforts.
Visit the FARFA Electronic Animal ID Action Center for more information and actions you can take to help fight this meatpacker-driven program!
Thank you for standing with us in defense of small farms!
LINKS
9 C.F.R. § 86.4(a)(1)(i) – https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/9/86.4
see revision for (i) “official eartag” – https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/09/2024-09717/use-of-electronic-identification-eartags-as-official-identification-in-cattle-and-bison#page-39565
FARFA Animal ID Action Center – https://farmandranchfreedom.org/animal-id-action-center/
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Please delay so more conversation can take place. This also seems cruel and like an unnecessary expense.
Thanks,
Helen
The U.S. Constitution only grants the federal government 18 powers. It also says in no uncertain terms that all other powers are reserved for the states and the people. USDA does not have the authority to tell a farmer how to manage his livestock. We have gradually given up our rights to the bureaucrats. It is time to take them back.
Bravo!