WLIC LAUNCHES ONLINE RFID COST-BENEFIT CALCULATOR

VERONA, Wis. (April 13th, 2009) — The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) announces the launch of an online radio frequency identification (RFID) cost-benefit calculator, and can be found on the Livestock Vantage website, www.thelivestockvantage.com.

The cost-benefit calculator was developed for dairy producers and industry experts interested in RFID as a farm management tool.  The purpose of the online RFID cost-benefit calculator is to allow dairy producers to develop a personalized cost estimate for implementing RFID tags and technology within their herds, including startup fees, annual costs and potential savings, in an effort to encourage voluntary individual animal identification.

The online RFID cost-benefit calculator is an opportunity for WLIC to help create an understanding, awareness and motivation for premises registration and voluntary animal identification through its Livestock Vantage initiative.  WLIC launched the Livestock Vantage and its website in July 2008.  The website also includes an RFID cost and benefits factsheet and pilot herd case studies conducted on a variety of Wisconsin livestock operations.  It also features an educational game, developed as a learning aide.

 “We want to help dairy producers understand that RFID technology can be tailored to fit their individual management needs,” explained Robert Fourdraine, WLIC’s chief operating officer.  “It can be as simple as inserting the RFID button tags into a cow’s ear and working through the Dairy Herd Improvement milk recording system, or it can be taken a step further to help improve on-farm data collection efficiencies by purchasing an RFID reader and PDA handheld.  The online RFID cost-benefit calculator provides dairy producers with the opportunity to explore their options and the associated costs.”

The mission of the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium is to create a secure nationally compatible livestock identification system for the purposes of protecting animal health, safeguarding market access, and offering opportunities to enhance the marketability of Wisconsin livestock products.  Representing more than 50 businesses, organizations and livestock-related associations, WLIC draws upon the collective strength of its diverse membership to help lead nation-wide improvement and advancement in animal traceability.