Pushback on USDA's electronic tagging for livestock

Oct 01, 2024
By Farms.com

Congress called to act against livestock E-Tag rule

A coalition of 46 farming, ranching, and food groups, led by R-CALF USA, is pressing Congress to block an impending USDA rule mandating electronic ear tags for adult cattle and bison crossing state lines. This rule, effective from November 2024, modifies the existing Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) protocol, which many believe is sufficiently effective.

The mandated electronic identification (EID) has been criticized for potentially burdening smaller producers and consolidating the food supply chain under major meatpacking firms, thus threatening national food security.

Opponents contend the rule is less about animal health and more about profit margins for multinational corporations and technology firms involved in the production of tagging systems.

This initiative has sparked significant backlash, with claims that it would cover only 11% of cattle in the event of a disease outbreak, casting doubts on its overall utility.

Groups are rallying behind legislation such as H.J.Res.167, S.J.Res.98, and S.4282 to counteract the mandate, with considerable support already mounting in the House.

Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, highlights the extensive opposition from producers and stresses the importance of congressional action to prevent the potentially detrimental impact of this rule on the livelihoods of American ranchers and farmers.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.