I checked around and found out the agriculture official in Springfield told me that the tests are no cost to me. Soooooooo, I am giving him my name, address and phone number so he can have a NPIP certified person to do my birds. He also said it will not involved with NAIS, that he respects my decision NOT to be into NAIS. I have an interested customer in WA and VA, so NPIP is required so I figured it would be my best shot to sell hatching eggs, eating breakfast eggs (locally) and chicks and started birds locally and out of state.
I also asked about being an NPIP tester as well, and he said there is no cost to be in classes but have to buy my own testing box. The course starts around March/April. I will get more details later when it is confirmed. Is it hard to be a tester? What is your experience?
Do the testers get paid??? I can not see driving locally and all over the state in my own pocket. It has to be some kind of reimbursement on the NPIP program. Besides, how did NPIP get their money if we do not pay anything for the tests on our birds?
Anything I need to know before the testers come? I know the runs are muddy and wet but the coop got wet as well from the window and door trickle in water. Any set up I need to make? Anything to make testers more comfortable and quickly and faster for both of us so we do not take any more time necessary for him to do the next job?
