Several people had asked for a handout that summarizes the USDA’s draft regulations for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and how it would apply to small producers, homesteaders and pet owners. I have made one up which you can find at http://NoNAIS.org/handout here on the NoNAIS.org web site. It, and an accompanying poster are listed down in the Sample Fliers section of the right hand sidebar. The actual USDA NAIS documents are listed below that in the Technical Docs.
The handout explains the What, Which, Who, How and Why of NAIS. The When is happening now. NAIS is currently a voluntary draft regulation although some states have already implemented the Premise ID as a mandatory program. NAIS is scheduled to become mandatory for everyone in 2008 through 2009 right down to the backyard level. This summer there will be comment period in July after the USDA releases the final regulations for public comment. Mark your calendars, come back here for news frequently and be sure to get your comments in to legislators and regulators. See the Contacts section near the top of the right hand sidebar. You voice can make a difference!
The handout is designed so you can simply print it out as a single-sided one page sheet or you can double-sided print it and then cut the sheet length-wise to get two handouts thus saving paper. To do this just print out a bunch of handouts giving you the single sided version. Then put them back in the paper tray other side up and print again. If you oriented the paper correctly you’ll get a nice double-sided long sheet handout. Note I did the handout in color so that it can work with color printers if you have that but it also works great with black & white printers and has been tested on both. If you have any questions, let me know.
You can make a difference in another way. Spread the word about NAIS. The government’s one big advantage is they have been keeping the subject of NAIS very hush-hush as they push it through. Only large stakeholders were informed of NAIS early on. What you don’t know can hurt you. Of the livestock owners I have surveyed over 90% oppose NAIS. The problem is 90% also didn’t know about NAIS. Getting the word out is critical so print out copies of the handout and pass them along to other people. They can also be posted on bulletin boards at feed stores, general stores, etc. Even better for posters is the one at http://NoNAIS.org/poster which is more of an eye catcher than the handout.
Mary Zanzoni’s letter is also a good one to include in a packet to a reporter or official. As she makes her points she has the corresponding page number of the USDA’s plan or draft in parentheses. Makes it easy for somebody who is truly reading it to cross reference.
Comment Sue F — March 15, 2006 @ 3:20 am
excellent! this will come in very handy. thank you!
Comment Steph — March 15, 2006 @ 10:08 am
VERY NICE flyer — Thanks! I needed a flyer qwuick, came here and found yours — I’m handing them out at our county Democrats meeting tonight. I’m pushing to get this into the Minnesota Dems platform.
Comment Rooster-lover — March 15, 2006 @ 6:14 pm
This is a very excellent summary. I enclosed a copy with a letter I wrote to Congressman Goodlatte. I think it needs to be more prominently featured on your website.
- Greg Lilley
Comment Greg Lilley — March 19, 2006 @ 10:05 am
Hi,
Your Handout is perfect.My
husband and I are not farmers. We have printed and made copies of it, and the flier “How NAIS will effect the non-farmer”. We passed them out to chicken, cow and horse owners in our neighborhood. We didn’t even know these people. We just want to inform them. We got mixed reactions. One horse owner said he wouldn’t get upset over it. Another guy said he had heard of NAIS and had planned to talk to our Congressman. Another horse owner said he had heard about NAIS and was going to look into it further, thanks to your Handout. We have passed the Handout and the flyer to farmers and non-farmers. We will do our part. We plan to write our legislators and the editor of our local newspaper. Thank you for informing so many people about the NAIS.
Anna B
Comment Anna B. — March 20, 2006 @ 1:34 am
Wanted you to know your handout has been getting great feedback from folks who have chickens for fun and the local feed store owner. The owner is posting it right where anyone buying something will see it, and he’ll make copies too. I’ve sent the flyer, with letters, to govt folks, local papers, the 4H coordinator, farm stores, and have the bumper sticker on my car. Doing all I can to spread the word! Your website is a great help.
Comment Laura — March 22, 2006 @ 2:54 pm