WLIC OFFERS LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS OPPORTUNITIES TO START USING RFID FOR HERD MANAGEMENT

         VERONA, Wis. (December 3, 2009) – The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) currently offer complimentary official radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags to Wisconsin dairy, beef, pork and deer and elk producers. Wisconsin pork producers can also obtain free premises ID tags. Sheep and goat producers already can receive free visible ID eartags through the USDA Scrapies eradication program.

  With help from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and DATCP, WLIC is able to provide producers with unique official animal identifiers that offer herd management benefits and open opportunities to participate in livestock marketing programs, such as age and source verification, as well as improve the ability to trace animals in the case of a disease outbreak.

  Last year over 100,000 Animal Identification Number (AIN) tags were distributed by WLIC to Wisconsin dairy farmers through a partnership program with the Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA). Through this program, dairy producers interested in using RFID technology for herd management obtained RFID tags through their DHIA technicians. DHIA technicians would record ID numbers without the dairy producer having to invest in reader technology, handheld devices or computers. Dairy producers using RFID technology for herd management have reported labor cost savings and higher accuracy in identifying animals.

  “As an organization compiled of various members and species representation, WLIC realizes the importance of helping all producers acclimate themselves to the various animal ID technologies available, such as RFID, to reap the tiers of benefits that come with its incorporation on any farm where livestock are supported,” explained Robert Fourdraine, WLIC’s chief operating officer. “By taking advantage of this program, producers have the opportunity to get involved in RFID with time being their only investment.”

To sign up for the free tag offering:

• Dairy producers should contact their local DHIA representative.

• Beef and pork producers should contact WLIC at 888-808-1910.

• Sheep and goat producers should contact the Madison USDA office to at 608-662-0600 (extension number 5).

• Deer and elk farmers should contact DATCP at 608-224-4896.

For dairy, beef and pork ear tags funds are limited and signups are processed on a first come first served basis. To learn more about RFID’s benefits, livestock producers should visit www.livestockvantage.com, which features a cost benefit calculator for dairy producers, a guide for all livestock producers on incorporating RFID into their operations, and case studies of producers who are currently using RFID. Beef cattle producers interested in age source verification should consult their local service provider, of which some examples include Equity, ABS Global, or Global Management or contact the USDA AMS Audit, Review, and Compliance Branch at 540-361-7640 to learn more.

  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 55 businesses, organizations and livestock-related associations, WLIC draws upon the collective strength of its diverse membership to help lead nationwide improvement and advancement in animal traceability.