 |
|
|
|||||
|
|
February 16, 2006 Electronic Identification Program Offered to North Dakota Beef Producers Beef producers in North Dakota can request electronic identification (EID) tags as part of a 2006 program announced by the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association (NDBCIA). The Electronic Identification Pilot Project is offering 20,000 electronic tags to the first producers requesting tags, says Kris Ringwall, NDBCIA executive secretary and director of the North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension Center. The Electronic Identification Pilot Project is a joint research venture by the NDBCIA and NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center. “The goal is to have producers electronically tag their calves, test the accuracy and reliability of various tags and systems, and initiate a tracking process for tagged calves,” Ringwall says. For the project, producers are required to complete data sheets (which accompany the EID tags), keep a calving book and agree to assist with other research. The project is for the 2006 calf crop. “This pilot project is a collaborative effort to identify the ways to achieve animal identification in an efficient, cost-effective way,” Ringwall says. “The Dickinson Research Extension Center continues to engage producers and industry professionals to secure positive outcomes.” Cooperating with the NDBCIA and DREC are the North Dakota State Veterinarian and North Dakota Stockmen's Association. Producers can begin requesting tags for the 2006 calf crop immediately. The Electronic Identification Pilot Project was unveiled at producer meetings throughout North Dakota beginning Jan. 26, 2006. Ringwall was the guest speaker to about 30 producers. Subsequent meetings have been held in Ellendale, Minot, Dickinson, Carrington and Mandan. A four-step process is necessary to be part of the Electronic Identification Pilot Project.
The cost of the program is $2 per calf. Ringwall says producers who participate in the pilot project can choose to enroll in the CalfAID program, should they decide they want to have their calves source and age verified. Producers wanting to be part of the CalfAID program must follow the program requirements. Enrollment forms are available on the Web at www.chaps2000.com. Click on the Dataline option, print form and submit to the NDBCIA office. Producers who want more information can contact the NDBCIA office at 1133 State Ave., Dickinson, ND 58601 or e-mail chaps@ndsuext.nodak.edu. The phone number is (701) 483-2045. ### Source:
Kris Ringwall, (701) 483-2427, kringwal@ndsuext.nodak.edu
|
Market Advisor: |
|
North Dakota State University |
