John Lawrence, Professor, Economics
Situation
USDA is developing and planning on implementing a mandatory National Animal
Identification System (NAIS) to trace animals back to the farm of origin
in case of a foreign animal disease outbreak. Cattle producers will
have to comply with the program, but were unaware of the details, logistics,
implications or costs.
Objective
Educate cattle producers and allied industry about the NAIS as it evolves,
how it will work, and what will be expected of them.
Activities/Output
Developed a fact sheet about NAIS that was printed as a handout and posted
to the Web. The article was picked up by state and national medias
as well as colleges in other states. A poster with the diagram was
prepared for field specialists to use at county fairs and other educational
events. The presentation on NAIS, or portions of it, was incorporated
into 38 presentations John Lawrence made this year to Iowa producers, veterinarians,
and lenders and producers in six other states.
Impact/Outcomes
The details of how NAIS will be implemented continues to evolve, but the
basic procedures and responsibilities remain constant. Iowa was the
last state to establish a premise number allocation system and the state
started accepting applications for a premise number in August. However,
Iowa producers better understand what will be required and what opportunities
will be available to them once NAIS is operational. A survey of Iowa
cow-calf producers indicated that 83% support the NAIS. The sale
of electronic ear tags for cattle that will be used in the NAIS is higher
than in previous years.
2005
107
Page last updated:
July 8, 2006
Page maintained by Linda Schultz, lschultz@iastate.edu
