San Lucas, Calif. (May 22, 2007) The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association’s (USCA) board of directors adopted policy on May 21 opposing mandatory premises registration for 4-H and FFA youth, and affirmed their commitment to the spirit of both programs. 

While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has redesigned its national animal identification system (NAIS) as voluntary, the Colorado Extension Service is implementing mandatory premises registration for 4-H youth enrolled in animal projects.  In a directive issued to all 4-H agents in Colorado in March 2007, the State 4-H Program Director Jeff Goodwin also stated that mandatory animal identification will be implemented the following year.

“Many Colorado producers believe the mandatory premises registration being forced upon their children is a thinly-veiled attempt by the Cooperative Extension Service to meet the premises registration benchmarks outlined in a cooperative agreement with USDA,” noted John Reid, Ordway, Colorado, chairman of the Coalition Opposing Mandatory 4-H and FFA Premises Registration.  Reid is Vice-President of Colorado Independent CattleGrower’s Association (CICA) and a member of USCA’s Animal Identification Committee.

“Until now, the only time producers have had a say in the NAIS debate has been whether or not they choose to register their premises,” he continued.  “The Colorado Cooperative Extension Service is trying to take that choice away from producers by exploiting children to enhance premises registration numbers.  This is a predatory and prejudicial action that targets Colorado’s 4-H and FFA youngsters.”

Several existing systems are currently used to identify project animals in Colorado.  For example, when market beef are officially weighed into the project, usually months before the project is completed, the animals are ear tagged, tattooed and nose printed for identification.  Swine undergo ear notching and sheep are also nose printed and tagged. 

“The purpose of youth programs like 4-H and FFA is to encourage young people to become involved in agriculture while educating them about proper management and husbandry techniques,” said Jon Wooster, USCA President, San Lucas, CA.  “These programs should not be used as a mechanism to mandate premises registration under a controversial program that encumbers property titles and erodes individual property rights.” 

Established in March 2007, USCA is committed to assembling a team to concentrate efforts in Washington D.C. to enhance and expand the cattle industry's voice on Capitol Hill. For membership forms and other information visit www.uscattlemen.org.