Premise registration

By David G. Hallauer

Jefferson County Extension Agent, Agriculture

There continues to be a lot of questions about Animal Identification, Premise Registration, and what it all means to the cattle producer. The topic has even been the focus for another round of winter meetings in the state again this year.

I don't claim to know all there is to know about animal identification and premise ID, but it is safe to say that the process has started and will continue. It has begun with registration of premises across the country with a goal of January 2008 for all premises to be registered. By January of 2009, the goal is for individual animal identification components to be completely in place with full implementation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) complete.

Just what does this mean to producers? The design of the NAIS is to allow trace back of animals should an outbreak of a foreign animal disease (FAD) occur within a 48 hour time period. The hope is that such a system will allow us to put a stop to the spread of any devastating FAD as soon as possible to lessen the economic impact on the entire animal industry.

Further, the implementation of this system gives producers the opportunity to fine tune some of their management programs. Whether you like the idea of a system or not, use its implementation as an opportunity to enhance record keeping and increase the management you give to your livestock program--whether that be on the animal or the paperwork end. Whether you want to go to the extent of having your own tag reader system and computer software in place or simply want to be able to sell animals through traditional market channels, you can fine tune your management style to make the registration of premises and individual animal ID work for you.

Premise Registration applications are available in the Extension office now. Feel free to stop in and pick one up. Along with the application are four pages of helpful "cheat sheets" and answers to common questions for you to use. You can also register online at http://nais.aphis.usda.gov/NAIS/index.jsp?state=ks. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to stop in and visit!

Cattlemen's Day--March 3

The 93rd annual Kansas State University Cattlemen's Day will be March 3 at Weber Hall in Manhattan. The day will feature numerous presentations, a commercial trade show and educational exhibits, open houses at the research and teaching units, and a lunch sponsored by commercial exhibitors and U.S. Premium Beef.

Registration to cover refreshments and materials is $15 by Feb. 20 or $25 on-site. Further information and registration forms are available on the Web at www.asi.ksu.edu/cattlemensday.

A feature of this year's day will be a "Symposium on Animal Identification Systems," which will include presentations on animal identification technology and effective implementation, capturing value through traceability, the value of individual animal identification, and animal identification systems from the post-harvest perspective. Afternoon sessions will highlight other industry hot topics.

Date: 2/23/06