Recent executive orders have highlighted the need for transparency and communication before placing new requirements on American farmers and ranchers. USDA-APHIS will not implement the requirement regarding types of identification devices that must be applied to cattle.
We continue to believe that RFID devices will provide the cattle industry with the best protection against the rapid spread of animal diseases, as well as meet the growing expectations of foreign and domestic buyers.”
Source: Western Livestock Journal, November 12, 2019. Link. USDA’s goals to enhance ADT have not changed, and the collective aim is to encourage electronic identification for animals moving interstate under the current ADT regulation; enhance electronic sharing of basic animal disease traceability data; enhance the ability to track animals from birth to slaughter; and increase the use of electronic animal health certificates.
INSIGHTS: It is important to stay abreast of electronic identification requirements. Note that APHIS may encourage RFID tags through financial incentives consistent with suggestions from the industry.