Attn BYC! Heard of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)?

[BasenjiFan]

In case some of you haven't heard, the USDA is accepting "feedback" on their NAIS scheme... I'm pretty sure that they don't care about my feedback (seeing as I only keep a few animals), but I figure if we innundate them with negative feedback, it couldn't hurt. Maybe we can at least give them eyestrain! (of course, this assumes someone is reading the feedback...)

Here's a link to the USDA's "NAIS Contact" page they have a link for feedback- tell them what you think!
http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/contact_us/index.shtml

Contacting your state reps and such might help as well.

 

[cjeanean]

Actually, RFID chips cost less than $0.01 in 2005, meaning they'll be even less than that now, and I wouldn't be surprised that if hatcheries were using them (which I'm not sure if they are, haven't seen anything saying that) the USDA would give them to them for free in the name of implementing this NAIS thing.

 

[waynesgarden]

NAIS Myths

Wayne

 

[Cassandra]

Quote:
Thanks, Wayne. That pretty much confirms what I have said. Uncle USDA doesn't want the heat of actually requiring any of this be done and wouldn't dream of penalizing anyone who refuses to participate.

But states can, and already do. It is our own state legislators we need to stay on top of about this.

Cassandra

 

[Reinbeau]

Quote:
Thanks, Wayne. That pretty much confirms what I have said.

It pretty much confirms nothing other than the fact that the government is trying to soft-sell NAIS to the masses.

Uncle USDA doesn't want the heat of actually requiring any of this be done and wouldn't dream of penalizing anyone who refuses to participate.

No, they don't have to dream of it, they let the states do it.

But states can, and already do.

They certainly do. Some of them, that is. I've heard horror stories already out of Wisconsin, who dove into NAIS headfirst.

It is our own state legislators we need to stay on top of about this.

Yes, we do, and we need to not be fooled by propaganda telling us how wonderful NAIS is going to be.

I'm not trying to be argumentative here, I'm just amazed that so many believe the 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help' line that they're being fed. This legislation is designed only to protect the big interests, they don't care how much it costs or how hard it is to comply with. It's a cost of doing business that's written off by the big guys. It's an absolute burden to the small holder.​

 

[Cassandra]

I won't argue with you Ann because you obviously haven't been following what I've been posting. As far as I can tell, we're on the same side, though.

Cassandra

 

[cardigan99]

Folks, this is NO JOKE. I would stongly suggest each and every one of you start calling and writing your elected officals. If you don't, this WILL HAPPEN.
Additionally, the USDA "comment period" for the Business Plan to Advance Animal Traceability ends 4/15. If you want to let the USDA know your position then follow this link.

http://nonais.org/index.php/2008/04/07/business-plan-comment-period/

Wayne from Maine. It's almost too late for you. Your legislators were one of the first to start rolling their constituents under the bus.

Before anyone starts tossing around NAIS Myths please vist NONAIS.ORG. Your livelyhood / hobby / chickens are at stake.

 

[waynesgarden]

Quote:
What are you talking about? Premise registration is purely voluntary in the State of Maine. Facts, please. Not more hyperbole.

Wayne

 

[poltroon]

If this is important to you, take the time NOW to write a short note - even as simple as 'I oppose NAIS' - to your congress member and senators. Most of them are hearing only the occasional peep about this. They need to hear more if you want them to take any active position against it.

As for the RFID chips - I cannot believe that they're injecting them into chicks. First, injectible ones do cost more than a penny to buy and inject, and secondly, they don't want to worry about fishing them out of the meat when the animals are slaughtered. There was a recall a while back when some research pigs with microchips did not get their microchips removed during the butchering process.

Indeed, for large poultry operations, they can track the animals as a single batch, saving them a lot of money over a small operation.

On the other hand, I notice that Gary Fuchs of Ideal Poultry Breeding Farms is the working group chair for noncommercial poultry operations, so one might expect them to be a leader in NAIS compliance.

The last I heard, USDA was talking leg bands for poultry, but I was unable to confirm that on the current USDA site. Poultry identification devices are not currently listed there.

 

[waynesgarden]

Quote:
Please post the source of your information regarding leg bands for poultry currently being considered.

Thank you.

Wayne