News

NCBA opposes mandatory disease traceability expansion

The nation’s largest cattle producer organization is opposed to mandatory compliance for the USDA Animal Disease Traceability program but they support the USDA’s efforts to reach out to producers.

Colin Woodall is Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“We are against a mandatory animal identification system. But we have worked very close with [USDA] on phase one of animal disease traceability and before they move to phase two, or at least start considering moving to phase two there’s a lot more information that we as an industry need to know,” says Woodall.

He tells Brownfield the voluntary program has provided producers with financial premiums and has proven successful in opening up export markets.

“The Japanese market is a great example of where our source and age verification program that was put in place was based on voluntary programs. We believe that voluntary programs can help us regain access in countries like China as well,” says Woodall.

The USDA began holding a series of nationwide meetings on the program this week. Woodall says NCBA will be attending all the meetings and will encourage producers to attend as well and voice their concerns.

“It’s also important to maintain the conversation about disease traceability and how it fits in with international trade,” says Woodall.

Several smaller livestock organizations, including R-CALF USA have voiced their opposition to the USDA meetings and any changes to the ADT program.

The meetings will be held from 8am till 3pm on the following dates

• April 20: Nashville, TN, Renaissance Nashville Hotel
• May 2: Bloomington, MN, Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport
• May 4: Denver, CO, Doubletree by Hilton Denver
• May 11: Rancho Cordova, CA, Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova
• May 24: Billings, MT, Hilton Garden Inn Billings

Audio: Colin Woodall, Vice President of Government Affairs, NCBA