|
|
S.D. Stockgrowers pleased by NAIS newsSouth Dakota Responding to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack's recent announcement that USDA will put to rest the present National Animal Identification System, South Dakota Stockgrowers President Kenny Fox stated, "This is a banner day for producers in South Dakota and across the country. We applaud the Secretary of Agriculture for listening to the voice of the people. At last summer's listening session in Rapid City 395 of the 400 present stood in opposition to the NAIS program. Many of those 395 people were SD Stockgrower members who have worked for years against NAIS and in support of sensible animal health programs." Stockgrower Regional Vice President Bill Kluck, Mud Butte, S.D., stated "We thank the members of South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and R-CALF USA for their participation in the listening sessions throughout the country and for bearing with us when we were told we could not win." According to Stockgrowers member Nick Trask, Wasta, "Those individuals who thought NAIS was unreasonable have been vindicated. To those of us in the livestock business NAIS didn't make sense from the beginning, but many said we couldn't stop this program--just had to go along. This shows what you can accomplish when you stand your ground." Stockgrower member Rick VanderWey, Valentine, Neb., said, "It's gratifying to see the federal government listen to the people who spoke throughout the country at the listening sessions this past year. They are hearing the will of the people, and this brings back confidence. This is the beginning of restoring faith in our government." Chris Harvey, Stockgrower director from district 12, commented, "We know that a fully implemented voluntary NAIS was not much different than a mandatory one. Today the news from the USDA is very encouraging. It is gratifying to know that our efforts are paying off. It goes to show that if you engage the opposition with honesty and integrity you never lose. Now is not the time to relax. We still need to be involved to make sure that independent producers' interests are protected in this new approach from the USDA." Fox further stated that we could not have succeeded without the joint efforts of grassroots producers and organizations throughout this country. To many livestock producers who so passionately fought this battle, at times it seemed like David facing Goliath. This is an opportunity for all producers to work together with the State Vet to build on the effective and efficient animal health programs already in place in South Dakota. The SD Stockgrowers Association looks forward to cooperating in this effort."
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
