Action Alert
To: R-CALF USA Members, Affiliates and Friends
From: Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA
Date: March 17, 2023
Subject: USDA Extends Deadline for RFID Comments to April 19, 2023
Here is the Official USDA News Release:
USDA Extends Public Comment Period for Proposed Enhancements of Animal Disease Traceability Regulations
Published: Mar 17, 2023
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2023 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is extending the comment period on a proposal to strengthen animal disease traceability regulations. The extension will give the public an additional 30 days to prepare and submit comments.
On January 18, 2023, APHIS announced its proposal to amend the animal disease traceability regulations and require electronic identification for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison. Under the proposed rule, official eartags must be visually and electronically readable for interstate movement of certain cattle and bison. It would also revise and clarify certain record requirements related to cattle. This includes requiring official identification device distribution records to be entered into a Tribal, State, or Federal database, and making those records available to APHIS upon request.
APHIS is asking the public to provide comments on how this proposed rule would impact the regulated community. We are also seeking comments on ways that APHIS might assist with implementing these proposed changes.
Interested stakeholders may view the proposed rule and submit comments at https://www.regulations.gov/document/APHIS-2021-0020-0001. All comments must be received by April 19, 2023.
Thank you for your help!
We’ll be in touch.
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R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) is the largest producer-only lobbying and trade association representing U.S. cattle producers. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry. Visit www.r-calfusa.com or, call 406-252-2516 for more information.