USDA Announces Intent to Pursue Rulemaking on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Use in Animal Disease Traceability

Weekly eNewsletter | March 29, 2021 | Volume 156

Save the Date: WLIC Annual Meeting - April 8th

Due to ongoing health concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic and large group gatherings, the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) Board of Directors has decided to host its annual member meeting using a virtual platform again this year. The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Please register in advance at www.wiid.org no later than April 2, 2020. You will receive a link to join the virtual meeting prior to April 8^th.

During the meeting, members will hear from Wisconsin Department of Agriculture staff, and will also hear a recap of 2020 activities and results.

RSVP TO VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING

USDA Announces Intent to Pursue Rulemaking on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Use in Animal Disease Traceability

After reviewing 944 public comments on a July 2020 notice that proposed to approve Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as the official eartag for use in interstate movement of cattle, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has decided to use the rulemaking process for future action related to this proposal. This means that the original notice will not be finalized, and that all current APHIS-approved methods of identification may be used as official identification until further notice.

April 8 - WLIC Annual Meeting

What is the average litter size for pigs?

Visit WLIC online to view the tag variation available to fit your production needs!

WLIC ONLINE STORE

Plan Ahead! Expect Shipping Delays!

Due to COVID-19 safety precautions affecting the production of tags, as well as slower shipping times with all carriers, there may be a delay in fulfilling and shipping your tag order. Please plan to add an additional 10 to 15 days to produce and ship your order – which means orders could take up to 25 days from the date ordered for delivery with standard shipping. (Under normal circumstances, it takes about 10 to 15 days to receive your order.)

We encourage you to plan ahead and allow for the additional shipping times. Please reach out to the WLIC Team if you have any questions or concerns.

Heritage Meats Issues Class II Recall of Precooked Meals, Raw Beef

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirms that a white-tail deer herd at a Burnett County breeding farm that tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in 2020 was depopulated on March 3, 2021. None of the remaining 14 deer tested positive for the disease.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Director Nomination Period to Close March 30th

Milk producers that are eligible and interested in running for a Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) director seat have until March 30, 2021 to submit a nomination form to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative Announced

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs.