National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President-Elect Todd Wilkinson released a statement on the USDA’s proposed rule on electronic identification for transporting cattle over state lines.
“As USDA has worked toward a nationally significant traceability program, NCBA has engaged with industry stakeholders and USDA to ensure that cattle producers are represented and protected,” says Wilkinson, who also chairs the NCBA Traceability Working Group.
“Any program must allow maximum flexibility and privacy while minimizing costs for producers and any industry disruptions.”
NCBA also says foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks around the world continue to result in disruptions to commerce and depopulate livestock. That means immediate action is needed.
“NCBA is committed to working with USDA to ensure workable solutions are identified and implemented,” Wilkinson says. The organization also says that cattle producers can be confident that any finished product will protect the nation’s livestock herd. The NCBA is continuing to review the proposed rule in its entirety.