NoNAIS is my effort to spread the word of how harmful the USDA's National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is to small farmers, homesteaders, pet owners & consumers.
Use the comments of this post during this month if you have things you would like to bring to people’s attention and are not sure where else to post them. I’ll make a new Bulletin Board each month for free posting.
Have at it, communicate and keep up the good fight!
Cheers,
-WalterJ
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I want to share an email I got from PA Sen. Casey yesterday. I think he needs more people to contact him and set him straight about what our concerns really are.
*******************************
Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). I appreciate hearing from all Pennsylvanians about the issues that matter most to them.
For hundreds of years, farmers have recognized the usefulness of keeping records on their flocks and herds so that they can be more easily tracked from birth to slaughter. While at one point that meant using a hot brand, today’s farmers have at their disposal a number of less invasive options for marking individual animals such as ear tags, neck chains, and leg bands. Some of these labels can also be outfitted with radio frequency ID transponders, which further increase efficiency in animal identification processing.
Because accurate animal identification has the potential to improve animal health, strengthen food safety and promote the commercial production and marketing efforts of our Nation’s agricultural producers, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed a voluntary National Animal Identification System. The initial guidelines for the program, which were released in early 2004, set out practices for labeling species such as cattle, bison, poultry, swine, sheep, goats, deer, elk, horses and alpacas. Since that time, the Department has continued to work with state and local officials, representatives from the livestock industry, food safety advocates and other key stakeholders to develop this program.
In the months ahead, I will be monitoring negotiations closely to see that officials at USDA address some outstanding concerns that I have about NAIS. These would include how to handle liability and confidentiality concerns regarding animal identification records, how to determine who pays for the costs of compliance with the program and whether to make NAIS a mandatory program at the federal level or to allow individual states to establish their own standards. As this work continues, please be assured that I will keep your views in mind.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you.
If you have access to the Internet, I encourage you to visit my web site, http://casey.senate.gov. I invite you to use this online office as a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, request assistance from my office or share with me your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Bob Casey
United States Senator
Comment Barbara — October 1, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
You really need to target him at the election if he is up for re-election and next time if not. He is clearly owned and operated by the power elite.
Comment Pat H — October 4, 2008 @ 10:00 am
Barbara,I just sent him a note telling him to work to help small farmers and to oppose NAIS.
I told him who is behind it and that it is NOT voluntary and that it IS unconstitutional and that as I worked to defeat Rick Santorum over animal ID I would work to defeat anyone who supports NAIS and that I as a farmer will never comply with NAIS!
I am quite sure I will be blown off by a staffer who knows nothing about reality but maybe just maybe he will get the message, from you and me and others, that this BS aint gonna fly!thanks!
“Live free or die tryin”
Comment Lee — October 4, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
saw this at hobbyfarms.com’
What Do YOU Think?
What are your thought about NAIS and the U.S. attempts to track and trace animals and animal disease? Share your thoughts–pro and con. Send them to hobbyfarms@bowtieinc.com. If we get enough feedback, we’ll compile your thoughts and share with our readers. Any requests to remain anonymous will be honored. Thanks!
Comment esbee — October 5, 2008 @ 10:57 am
WI newly proposed rule involves full payment of court costs by looser, for violations of disease health code. Would also require a reinspection and associated fee. I guess that is what they meant when they stated they would be seeking ways to assure compliance. A clear threat considering they operate their own administrative courts.
Comment Paul-Martin:Griepentrog — October 5, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Esbee I sent in my comments, thanks, Many more people need to respond, think of it as free NONAIS advertising…..
Comment Gisela — October 7, 2008 @ 11:59 am
This article link about RFID chips in your wallet, and the security problems they pose, as well as possible countermeasures, ought to interest everyone. I’m not sure if you’ll have to sign up (free, but with 3+ messages per day in your inbox) to access it: even with the spam, it is worth reading.
Comment Ray — October 9, 2008 @ 10:21 am
For those who do not know, the new version of USDA/APHIS’s Nais Business plan, released Sept. 08, is at Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance website(look at the right sidebar here at nonais, under “Featured Websites”) and they (farfa) have it posted under “government documents updated”…on the right sidebar…If I read correctly, they need 24 million for 2009. So where does our government get all this “kazillions of dollars?” You may find out by reading this excellent speech by Ron Paul that he did Feb. 2006 on “The End of Dollar Hegemony”…it is very educational… go to: link
Comment The Phantom — October 10, 2008 @ 6:52 pm
The Texas mascot is the longhorn cattle. They are currently on their 14th Bevo., who has been the official mascot since the end of 2006. Bevo is present at all home games, a few away games, and he will be at the Red River Shootout on Saturday.
I wonder will this mascot be (or is he already) microchipped and will they file reports on his away games and if disease is suspected in an area that this animal has been in (6 mile radius or 140 sq miles) will he be depopped?
How about other sports teams with mascots that are listed under NAIS (a buffalo and a white horse come to mind)? but under NAIS there are NO exemptions, even for them but I betcha they get a “wink, wink” from the good ol’ Uassdeeyay!
Comment esbee — October 10, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
This came via email from Darol Dickenson but I do not have the url he got it from…I assume Press & Dakotan is a newspaper of some sort.
Press & Dakotan
Coalition Criticizes Animal ID As Red Herring For Food Safety
Published: Sunday, October 5, 2008 9:11 PM CDT
WASHINGTON — Fifty-five groups from across the country sent a letter yesterday to key Congressional Committees asking them to halt funding for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and to keep it separate from food safety reforms.
The recent highly publicized failures in America’s food safety system, from the slaughter of downer cattle in California to the inconclusive hunt for salmonella-laced tomatoes, have created a public outcry. Some advocates and legislators want to include the proposed National Animal Identification System (NAIS) as a mandatory part of food safety reforms. NAIS is a controversial three-step program that calls for registering, tagging, and tracking every livestock and poultry animal in the country, whether or not the animal is kept for food.
“The giant meatpackers are diverting attention from the real reasons for the recurring food scandals, by pushing a feel-good tracking program that will protect their profits without improving the safety of their meat products,” said Judith McGeary, executive director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, one of the signatories to the letter.
The NAIS would track livestock and poultry animals from birth to death, ending at the slaughterhouse. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most foodborne illnesses are the result of contamination at the slaughterhouse or during food processing and handling.
“The problems in our food supply stem from factory farm practices and the consolidation of our food industry, so that a problem in one large processing plant can make people all over the country sick.” says Taaron Meikle, President of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, another signatory. “We need to stop turning to false solutions offered by the industry, and support local, sustainable farms that provide safe and healthy foods for our communities.”
The NAIS would impose significant regulatory compliance costs on small livestock producers, lacks a sound scientific basis for combating foodborne illness or animal disease, and infringes on the privacy rights of farmers that are not raising livestock for integrated meatpackers and processors. Among other things, the NAIS plans would allow vertically integrated factory farms that manage animals as a group from birth to death to identify thousands of animals as one group, while most independent family farms would have to individually identify each animal when they leave their birthplace.
“The NAIS favors vertically integrated farms and factory confinement farms that will be able to use group identification and avoid the cost imposed on family farms,” says Debbie Davis, a Texas rancher and a director of the Cattlemen’s Texas Longhorn Registry. “We’ll essentially be penalized for raising our animals on pasture in sustainable systems as independent producers.”
The organizations’ letter concludes: “For these reasons, we strongly urge you to exclude the NAIS from any food safety bill and to stop all funding for the program. Additional background information on why the NAIS is a flawed system to address food safety is attached.”
Comment esbee — October 12, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
another news item from Darol Dickinson…contains some “udderly” obvious puns!
Next time someone wants to push NAIS at you ask them why you should trust the USDA to be any more competent than the English. Click link below for graphics. DD
text
Defra admits losing 20,000 cows in Britain
Government officials have been forced to admit that they have lost more than 20,000 cows in Britain, the latest in a series of lost property blunders to hit Whitehall.
In a situation described as udder chaos, officials at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) admitted in Parliamentary questions that 20,979 of the animals had been mislaid.
The livestock should have been logged on Defra’s Cattle Tracing System, devised to protect public and animal health after the BSE and foot and mouth epidemics.
However the cattle have disappeared from the system, while another 1039 are believed to have been loaded onto cattle trucks and never heard of again, according to the Daily Star.
Jonathan Shaw, Defra minister, was forced to admit the embarrassing blunder in response to a Parliamentary question.
Peter Ainsworth, the Shadow Environment secretary, said he was astonished at the loss.
“Laptops, data, and now cows, is there anything this Government can not misplace?” he told the Daily Star.
“Defra’s performance would do credit to Little Bo Peep.”
The missing cattle scandal is the latest in a string of lost property mishaps to blight the Government.
Last week the Ministry of Defence revealed a computer hard drive with the private details of 100,000 members of the Armed Forces had gone missing.
And in August, a Home Office contractor lost a memory stick containing data on all 84,000 prisoners in England and Wales.
A Whitehall source said: “It’s a farce. They clearly cannot tell their Ayrshires from their elbows at Defra.”
Comment esbee — October 13, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
I see on Brownfields site a short story that Illinos new ag guy will keep pushin folks to sign up for the voluntary premises ID,better keep an eye on this guy.
After the coronation in a couple weeks it’ll be back to the front lines in this fight as neither ruler wannabee will help the small farmer,just give more lip-service and porkbarrel concessions to industrial ag,
I’d love to be wrong but these are politicks and good is hard to find in that subject,so anyhow rest up and get ready to pounce with both feet on whoever takes over for the fed in Jan 09.
“Live free or die tryin”
Comment Lee — October 14, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
I want to share an article I read yesterday with you. For me, it was an awakening, a light bulb coming on. It has been obvious to me for quite a while that we are being sold out by our so-called leaders but I could never before understand why. Please take a few minutes and read this short article.
The Twilight of the Psychopaths
Comment Pat H — October 15, 2008 @ 7:32 am
The cattle missing from the DEFRA Cattle Tracing Database is 10% of those born before 1996. I wish he had answered the question of total cattle lost.
Link
“Mischievously, the Conservatives link this to an answer to a separate question in which Mr Shaw admits to ‘losing’ 10 per cent of cows registered to the Cattle Tracing System.
Asked what estimate he had made of the number of lost records relating to cows born in the UK before 1996, Mr Shaw replied: “There are 207,461 animals registered onto the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) born before 1996.
“Of these 20,979 are reported lost or at present not traced for reasons such as alleged theft. In addition to these there are 1,039 animals whose final destination is presently unreported.” “
Comment Ann — October 16, 2008 @ 10:09 am
The Government all ready owns everything else, they need to leave our animals alone
Comment Kevin — October 20, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
WHAT… DO YOU WANT TO GIVE US ALL “MAD COW DISEASE“??
This is being done for YOUR OWN GOOD, because the GOVT cares about us.
I love NAIS, and I want the govt to FORCE IT down the farmers throats..
so no one gets `avian flu` from sick animals…
why dont you care about the health of innocent consumers, instead of just making money?
Comment bernie goldberg — October 20, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
Bernie, you’ve fallen for the government bait hook line and sinker. NAIS does nothing to stop mad cow disease, avian flu or any other diseases. NAIS does not protect consumers. NAIS protects the big processors and helps Big Ag take over more of the market by increasing the costs for small farms. I suggest you read the FAQs in the upper left column and get a clue.
Interestingly, Bernie’s email address is “SuperFarmer”. Also of interest is that the corporation that he works for is a large scale food processor. That suggests “Bernie” is an agent from Big Ag who has serious financial vested interest in pushing NAIS down our throats…
Comment walterj — October 21, 2008 @ 7:30 am
Bernie sounds like these folks here in California trying to shove Prop. 2 - the farm amimal wellfare act down our throats.
I’ve spent time explaining that there are better ways of ensuring proper care for farm animals other than legislating it. And that one of the sponors - Humane Society of the United States - probably caused more suffering to animals than they stopped when they held onto those tapes of the cows being abused at the Hallmark processing plant in Chino for TWO years. HSUS is akin to PETA in their desire to remove humans from the whole animal ownership issue.
Comment Lorene — October 21, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
this site is just begging for comments about what nais really is…
text
Here is the question and answer they are asking. I left a comment but it sure needs more, providing they allow our comments as they are moderated.(cowards!)
FAQ #4228
Have a question?
Try asking one of our Experts
The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is being implemented across the United States and will be a mandatory program by January 2009. As a part of the NAIS, dairy and beef producers are being asked to register their premises. What is the process for doing this?
Related resource areas: Dairy So that sick animals which potentially may have been exposed to foreign animal diseases can have movements traced within 48 hours, the United States will establish a system that allows identification of individuals or groups of animals including premises where located and date of entry to premises. To comply, in part, with the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), dairy and beef producers must register their premises. To do so, producers need to contact their state department of agriculture and complete a Premises Registration form. Information needed on the Premises Registration form includes: (1) farm or ranch name, (2) owner name, (3) contact name, (4) physical address, (5) city, (6) ZIP code, (7) phone number, (8) primary species, (9) secondary species, (10), other species, (11) operation type, (12) GPS coordinates, and (13) allotment. A useful Web site for this information is the USDA-APHIS Animal ID site (http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/index.shtml) which includes links to individual state premises ID contacts.
Comment esbee — October 23, 2008 @ 7:14 pm
bernie do you have a sister named crystal and a friend that goes by the name mr green jeans? the anti american statements that you have just made sound a lot like the ones that they use to make . chrystal-mr green jeans if you are still out there say hello to bernie,he is one of you.
Comment nick — October 23, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
Nothing like a little economic meltdown to cause people to scramble in covering their own butts. Folks, NAIS is moving on through all the nefarious methods outlined in the Biz Plan and becoming a harder target to hit. We do need to get people thinking about state legislation and making it a campaign issue for the remainder of the time in any election possible. Perhaps the financial matters can be used to stop funding and contract expansion….I do know the infrastructure is already built, but those tags ain’t cheap, so maybe we can leverage that issue a bit…..Thoughts?
Comment Doreen — October 25, 2008 @ 6:58 am
#19 Comments left and are under Review…
The USA is under total transformation. Globalization in livestock keeping, Globalization in banking, Globalization in water rights, Globalization in taxes, Globalization in property rights. Globalization in spreading our wealth to the wealthy.
Globalization is the new word for New World Order! Everything will be Harmonized.
The voting process is RIGGED. We will have a Marxist in the White House to finish up what has been started. I only hope I am so wrong.
Comment Gisela — October 25, 2008 @ 9:51 am
What…? its been a year or so since we had a “Bernie” flappin’ his jaws around here,guess we are due for one eh?
never has been a case of avian flu in the USA but never mind that…and never has been a case of avian flu or BSE on a small farm only on industrial production lab,in fact we had to import BSE thanks to USDA..but dont let that bother you either,avian flu is a product of the filthy methods used by big ag here and around the world as is BSE …but again lets not let facts get in the way,oh well typical uneducated shill who while entitled to his opinion should find one of the many govt pro NAIS propaganda sites to comment it on as we here are way ahead of that BS.
“Live free or die tryin”
Comment Lee — October 25, 2008 @ 6:41 pm
gisela,i like you, believe that all the dominos are being line up, and it will only be a matter of time before they are pushed. i cant for the life of me see how a great country like the usofa can be a part of this.i used to be afraid for my grand children,then it was for my children,but now i believe i will see the fall of the world as we know it now, and it will not be pretty.i hope and pray for our country each day and that my fears are only crazy thoughts and wont come true.may GOD keep on blessing america,and the leaders of this nation will come to their senses.
Comment nick — October 26, 2008 @ 8:14 pm
Nick, Do a search on this field… IS AMERICA BABYLON?
When I have posted the web address it wont come up for people. So you get to the right site the name is forbiddenknowledge dot com Its the 3rd one down on google. It took me 4 days to read this, and leaves one with a new outlook and questions. From what we all have learned over the years researching NAIS and all the documents we all have read will help in the understanding IS America Babylon?
Comment Gisela — October 27, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
If you don’t get this magazine - please consider purchasing a copy for
the excellent article (Pages 50 - 53) titled “Tracked: The
NAIS Controversy”. Not only is it well documented, but it is very well researched. It is written by a Junior in High School from CT.
It is not yet on-line for review.
Let’s contact the DGJ and thank them for having the Cajones to run
this article:
http://www.dairygoatjournal.com/contactus.html
Sharon S.
IICFA
Illinois
Comment Mrs. Michael Sabo — October 29, 2008 @ 11:14 am
Dairy Goat Journal has sent a PDF to IICFA and we are able to copy/distribute this article with proper credit being given to them.
If anyone cannot find a copy, let me know and I will figure out how to get this to you.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Michael Sabo
IICFA
Illinois
Comment Mrs. Michael Sabo — October 29, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
I’ve been reading what you all have to say for a year or so. Even though it feels like preaching to the choir, I decided to add my two cents worth. Actually my husband’s. When he gets a head full, he writes songs about it:
Disappearing Freedom Blues
(Talk)
The issues of the times are laying heavy on my mind
And I’ll tell you all about ‘em
If you have a little time.
Just try and remember what I’m about to say
‘cause I’m talking about the good old USA.
(Sing)
I ain’t talking about China, Iraq or Iran
I ain’t talking about Russia, Cuba or Vietnam.
I’m talking about OUR freedom,
Where the hell did it go?
They must think we won’t miss it if they take it from us slow.
(Talk)
The first subject on my list is political choice.
I’m a registered voter with a little bit of voice
And the man I thought a great candidate
Never got invited to half the debates.
He must have talked too much about the constitution,
He probably upset the corporate institution.
when he finally got a chance to speak on the air
They switched him off camera, like he wasn’t even there.
(Sing)
Good-bye Ron Paul, I like what you say
You defend our constitution, as our freedom slips away.
Good-bye Ron, they got you out of the way,
But we’ll keep our powder dry and fight another day.
(Talk)
The second thing on my list that’s bothering me
Is gun control in the land of the free.
Well I’m a hunter, provider, and protector too
And my right to bare arms has been a useful tool.
I never abused the right to own a gun
And I’ve passed safety and respect down to my sons.
If they disarm the citizen, they’ll arm the crooks.
And the next thing you know they’ll be burning books
(Sing)
Cain slew Abel with a club.
He did not need an M-16.
But I need my rifle for my family
‘Cause I don’t trust FEMA, Bush, or Homeland Security
(Talk)
The next thing that’s bothering me is something
They call national animal ID.
They want a computer chip in my cow’s ear
So they can track her origin if she ever leaves here.
They’re afraid of disease when she’s meat in the pot,
But she won’t get sick, ‘til she’s in their feedlot.
They want to charge me for the hardware and to have it installed
But what they really want is to have it all.
They don’t want me to feed my family or friends
What they really want is for us to buy it from them.
(Sing)
Well silicone valley and the beef industry
Are trying to pull a fast one on you and me.
It’s all about money and control you see,
The next thing you know they’ll want a chip in me.
Guitar Break
(Talk)
The fourth thing on my list that’s breaking you and me
And that’s what’s really going on overseas
Seems our leaders lost their sense over energy
But they say the war in Iraq is to keep us free.
There is oil and contracts and big money deals
And a fortune to be made in those oil fields.
Here at home they’re raping land for gas and coal,
Destroying trees and water wherever they go.
Blowing tops off of mountains for West Virginia coal
For money and power they’d sell their soul.
The fish are dyin’ and the forest is gone
And all the wells will be polluted before too long.
Won’t be able to farm or find a job in town
Everything’s made in China just look all around.
Tools and clothing, right down to your shoes.
And I’m singing the disappearing freedom blues.
(Sing)
They want my guns and my livestock,
My water and my trees.
They’ve desensitized my children and they’d love to get me.
I’m talking about our freedom, where the hell did it go?
They must think we won’t miss it if they take it from us slow.
So don’t micro-manage my life for me
I won’t trade freedom for security.
All we want is to walk a free path
So don’t act out of fear in our behalf.
Guitar Break
Music and Lyrics by Steve Clark
February 2008
Comment Leanna Clark — October 30, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
The USDA just took the gloves off and is making NAIS premises ID mandatory.
“USDA recently issued a memo to its “Veterinary Services Management Team” that requires NAIS premises registration for various disease program activities. (Veterinary Services Memorandum No. 575.19, posted on our Government Documents Page at farm and ranch freedom)
I am posting this at verious places. Feel free to copy it if you wish
NAIS is about MONEY not food safety or animal health. “Food is Power” said Kissinger. Checkout the progress of the World trade Organization in gaining complete control of the world food supply. You will be amazed. (Bush signed an agreement to “Harmonize” US regs with the European Union)
List of ‘EU official’ seed varieties, no others maybe sold:
real seed
Global Diversity Treaty (Theft of third world seed for patents): biodiversity intn’l
Animal Patents:
ICAR
The Battle to Save the Polish Countryside (EU chair states will push million farmers off land):
I-SIS
Guide to Good Farming Practices (USDA’s next step):
OIE
Safe and Secure Food Act of 2005 (first try at Good Farming Practices) Gov Track
WTO “Aims to ensure that governments do not use quarantine and food safety requirements as Unjustified trade barriers” (WTO state food safety is not a priority):
OIE
From Congressman Jim McDermott’s web site: Former Presidential counsel, John Dean, spoke of America sliding into a, quote, “constitutional dictatorship,'’ close quote, and martial law ..house.gov
Comment Snazy snezy — November 2, 2008 @ 10:02 am
The USDA mandatory Premises ID is contrary to a court order suspending NAIS premises ID indefinately! edocket.access.gpo.gov
Isn’t it great to know the USDA is above the Constitutionj AND above the Courts!
Comment Snazy snezy — November 2, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
In the October issue of Acres there was a boxed article on the two lawsuits against the USDA on NAIS. The piece lead me to believe that NAIS was stopped in it’s tracks and the USDA’s hands were tied by court order until further investigation. Is this not so. Was Acres being overly optimistic? Or is the USDA once again acting above the law?
In other news. . .I just got my latest Premier 1 catalogue. It is usually a good read–I love to dream of getting more and better electric fence supplies and the odd bits of sheep and cattle equipment I need. This time, however, it was full of RFID, NAIS and Globalist bullpucky. I am sure they are pandering to the lowest common denomenator, but come on! The make it seem like it’s simply foolish not to smoke the government’s joint. After all. . .everyone else is. . .just don’t inhale. . . They even try to use the UK’s mandatory RFID for sheep by 2009 as an argument for selling their own products. But as far as I know, 90% or more of UK sheep producers won’t tag their sheep. They already loose something like $6 per animal most of the time. Added cost, fuss and uselessness is not something they are going to take laying down.
Comment Podchef — November 3, 2008 @ 9:49 am
So when is the revolution?
When will they go too far?
When will the farmers frame a new Constitution?
I am there.
Comment Peter Smith — February 23, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
All people need to do is resist. Keep resisting. Dont give in. Dont sign up. Dont participate. Keep writing your reps. Keep the pressure on. Dont be a part of the problem. Be the solution. Governments fall.
Comment Hammy — February 27, 2009 @ 5:59 am