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Cattle traceability is big topic at NIAA conference in Denver

The contentious issue of cattle traceability is one of the main topics being discussed at the National Institute of Animal Agriculture (NIAA) annual conference in Denver this week.

The cattle industry has been wrestling with the issue of animal disease traceability for years. While most producers agree that traceability is important, they oppose creation of a federally-run, mandatory program.

USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs Greg Ibach says the agency wants to leave traceability in the hands of states and producers. But Ibach says they will be demanding more of the states.

“Because of the biosecurity plan expectation coming from OMB, as well as some requirements that we want to have in place to be more prepared in the event of a national animal disease concern, we’re going to have expectations for state and the progress they’re working on,” he says.

Ibach addressed the NIAA conference on Tuesday. Brownfield spoke with him prior to his speech.

AUDIO: Greg Ibach