VERONA, WI (September 7, 2007) The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC), with the cooperation of Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Destron Fearing and Allflex USA, will host demonstrations of the use of Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) ear tags, electronic readers and farm management equipment at the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days on September 18, 19 and 20 in Albany, Wis. The demonstrations, to be held at WLIC’s booth located in the show’s Beef Tent, will allow producers to see how the use of RFID technology can improve their herd management practices and save valuable time and labor. Producers who visit the WLIC booth also will be eligible for two daily door prizes consisting of 50 RFID ear tags. The prizes are sponsored by Destron Fearing and Allflex USA.

       As part of the demonstration, the manufacturers will show producers how to apply the  RFID ear tags; use the Bluetooth wand readers, compact readers and small panel readers; and transfer the data to a weight scale to record the calf weights.  Robert Fourdraine of WLIC also will be available to discuss additional uses for this technology and how it can integrate with farm management software with producers.

       “Beef and dairy cattle producers frequently ask us how this new RFID technology works, what it looks like, and how it can be used on their farms,” states Fourdraine. “This demonstration will provide cattle owners with the opportunity to see these tags applied and used on cattle and examine up close the equipment used to read the tags.”

       The goal of WLIC is to promote a nationally compatible animal health protection system for the quick and efficient containment of livestock disease. Educating producers about proper ID application and recently-introduced technology improvements is intended to encourage the use of livestock identification for farm management.

       Fourdraine explains, “WLIC and its members feel it is important that livestock producers receive a better understanding of the benefits of livestock identification as it relates to animal health protection systems.” The organization hopes these hands-on demonstrations of ID technology at farms and shows will illustrate practical applications and real experiences for livestock producers.  In 2008, WLIC will begin the implementation of on-farm projects with several species groups and will work with Wisconsin livestock producer groups and the media to share the results of these projects with the rest of the livestock industry.

For more information on RFID technology or availability of cost sharing for approved RFID tags, producers are encouraged to call WLIC at 1-888-808-1910 or visit www.wiid.org.