Officials of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) are walking lockstep with the USDA bootjacks to require mandatory Premises Registration for the USDA’s National Animal Identification System (NAIS) despite the program being officially voluntary. This is one more example of how the government is subverting the meaning and strong arming us into NAIS. As an alternative some people are forming alternative clubs:
New livestock club avoids premises ID
A stamp of approval has been placed on the proposal to form another livestock club for youth to showcase their animals at the Custer County fair. The county commissioners approved such a proposal during their regular meetings on Aug. 31 and Sept. 4-5. During the meeting, fair board members and other interested persons presented a detailed plan regarding the club. In brief, members of the newly formed club will follow the same rules and regulations for the showing and sale of livestock at the local fair as 4-H and FFA youth.The need for alternative livestock club arose after state 4-H and FFA officials mandated all participants must obtain premises identification in order to show their animals at county and state fairs.
Premises ID registration lists the name and address of the ranch owner where the animal is being raised. The new regulation goes in effect next month.Many Valley parents of 4-H and FFA youth have expressed opposition to the new regulation. As a result, it is estimated some 20 local youth would no longer enter livestock projects in the county fair. Opponents of premises ID registration for 4-H and FFA youth have cited it is voluntary for ranches and the same rule should apply for youth.
Premises identification is the first step toward a national animal identification system being considered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in order to trace and track livestock to protect against disease. Last month, after learning the compulsory requirement for FFA and 4-H youth would prevent many Valley youth from participating in livestock projects at the fair, the commissioners stated they would support an alternative club. Fair board members Jack Canterbury, Rhoda Reid and Joanne Canda, as well as Suzie Coleman, attended the recent commissioners meetings to present the proposal for the formation of a new livestock club.
-Wet Mountain Tribune
What part of voluntary don’t they understand? Boycott 4-H, FFA, Angus Association and other organizations that are pushing the government’s Big Ag, Nanny State agenda of NAIS. While you’re at it, write them to let them know you oppose their NAzIS behavior of attempting to subvert our youth.
None of the news stories are ever very clear on the tax dollars being awarded to these groups for every member they coerce into signing up for NAIS. That really should be pointed out in no uncertain terms.
Comment Patricia Hampton — September 17, 2007 @ 7:25 am
“Future Fascists of Amerika” ?
…just following orders?
When organizations, Police, representatives and other authorities “just follow orders” despite the obvious moral / legal abdication presented by that action they reveal a side of humanity that is lemming like and dangerous.
Didn’t they listen when their mothers said “if everybody else jumped off a bridge would you”?
Hey FFA and 4H - It’s okay to question “authority”, especially when the authority is inherently wrong! Please FFA and 4-H climb down off that bridge railing and return to what you were intended to do - teach kids about animal husbandry, farming etc.
It would be very appropriate if alternate groups formed and 4H and FFA were discontinued from lack of membership.
I do wonder where the funding for these groups comes from and who made the decisions that participants must be pro NAIS…Anybody know?
Comment Bob Constantine — September 18, 2007 @ 8:19 am
We should all be aware that the organizations we participate in may be taking the *financial incentive* to implement NAIS just like 4 H and FFA. We should take responsibility and find out what organizations and stores are taking money to implement NAIS and boycott them.
Comment Celeste — September 18, 2007 @ 8:42 am
Great idea Celeste. I guess the easiest way to find out is to start with the local feed store and ask them if they’ve heard of NAIS and what their position is…Might be an opportunity to educate some more people.
I’ve gotten mixed results with this approach, one feed store in eastern NH let me put up a poster, others took the info.
but looked at me like I was a nut, which is really beside the point :)
If enough of us ask every time we go to a feed store, the owners should recognize we represent a valuable part of their income stream. Some will obviously be too far gone, in that case take your business elsewhere…
Comment Bob Constantine — September 18, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
cheken in
Comment nick — September 18, 2007 @ 8:38 pm
i just recived a letter from the american angus assocation telling 10 good reasons for premise i.d. and why i need to sign up. my privacy will be protected ,and will only be reported to the proper authorities in my state.my cattle herd will be safe and their health will be protected (from what i just dont know). the form they sent is quite long and intrusive.i dont think i will have time this year to fill it out mabe never,probably never. i will have time to call the angus assocation and cancel my membership.they like many large groups take the money from their madam the usda not caring what damage it will cause both long and short term.
Comment nick — September 18, 2007 @ 9:30 pm
I don’t think people have realized this proposal goes farther than trying to put the family farmer out of business.
What happens when a person eats the meat in which one of these ID chips are in?
That’s right. Welcome to the Total Information Network nation.Stalin would be proud.
Comment Jeb — September 19, 2007 @ 5:17 am
Not sure if this is the right spot but…
I just saw a news story that Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns is leaving his post to run for the Senate…wonder who’ll replace him and how that will impact NAIS?
Geez I thought he was “supposed” to go to a lucrative job in private industry after he was done with “working for the people”.
Or maybe the Senate is a lucrative job in private industry!? nod, nod wink wink.
Comment Bob Constantine — September 20, 2007 @ 7:52 am
Bush taps Ag deputy to run agency
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON — Charles Conner, the Agriculture Department official picked to become acting secretary upon the departure of Mike Johanns, has worked on farm issues in Washington for more than two decades.
Conner became deputy agriculture secretary in 2005. Before that he was a White House farm adviser and president of the Corn Refiners Association. He also worked on the Senate Agriculture Committee for 12 years, most of that time as staff director.
A native of Indiana, Conner grew up on a farm that remains in his family.
Conner assumes the job as Congress is writing the next farm bill. The House passed its version of the multi-billion-dollar legislation in June, but negotiations have hit bumps in the Senate.
Mary Kay Thatcher, a lobbyist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the transition should be smooth with Conner at the helm, since he has been involved in the process so far.
Johanns, who announced his resignation Thursday and is expected to run for the U.S. Senate, strenuously objected to the House farm bill. He argued that Congress should put stronger limits on payments to wealthy farmers. The White House issued a veto threat.
“I think the farm bill is an administration position, not a Mike Johanns position,” Thatcher said.
Thatcher and Tom Buis, president of the National Farmers Union, praised Conner’s experience.
“I think (Conner) will be very positive for the process because of his knowledge of all of the intricacies of farm policy,” Buis said. “He’s very well liked on Capitol Hill.”
North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad, a Democratic member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said he has known Conner for a long time and has always liked him, even if he hasn’t always agreed with him.
“He is somebody who will be respected in the discussions,” Conrad said.
Still, Conrad said it is distracting to change leadership in the middle of a farm bill.
“For the secretary to walk away in the middle of a farm bill borders on irresponsible,” Conrad said.
Several state officials said that Johanns is expected to seek the Senate seat being vacated at the end of next year by Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.
Comment Henwhisperer — September 20, 2007 @ 9:26 am
Yet another very scary issue:
Can Canada condemn land in SD?
“A lawyer for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission says a Canadian company has the legal right to condemn land for a crude-oil pipeline through the eastern part of the state.”
Comment Ann Nelson — September 20, 2007 @ 9:54 am
For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Contact for Reporters:
Nik Olsen
(970) 491-7766
Nik.Olsen@colostate.edu
COLORADO 4-H POLICY CONTINUES WORK TO ENHANCE TRACEABILITY OF LIVESTOCK
FORT COLLINS - Traceability has emerged as a key component in protecting markets from the potential fallout of animal disease - enabling diseases to quickly be found, controlled and eradicated before paralyzing markets.
With these considerations in mind and with urging from various allied animal industry groups, the Colorado 4-H Youth Programs and FFA programs had planned to make premises registration with NAIS required for all 4-H and FFA members as of October 1, 2007. However, a year after the announcement of the initial policy, and after listening carefully to many residents around the state, the Colorado State 4-H office has announced a policy adjustment related to premises registration. The policy as of October 1, 2007, will read:
“All 4-H members with livestock and horse projects will be required to have a completed, signed, and approved ‘Animal Care and Housing Form for Colorado 4-H Livestock Projects’ on file at their county Extension office at time of enrollment. It is highly recommended that Colorado 4-H livestock project animals (beef and dairy cattle, sheep, swine, goat, poultry, llama and horse) have a premises registration with the National Animal Identification System.”
Comment Henwhisperer — September 20, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Oh and there is this pesky article from VPR about how Vermont farmers are slow to sign up for NAIS.
link
Comment Henwhisperer — September 20, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
they,the powers to be just dont get it do they? it is time to take a stand.the colorado folks need to get togather and get a lawyer,bring this thing to a head,lance it and be done with it.these state run universitys need to know that they cant set policy for every thing that comes down the road,even if their madam the usda ask them to.
Comment nick — September 25, 2007 @ 5:41 am
As an active member of the Illinois Association FFA and a former 4-H’er, I ask that we all take a step back. First off I won’t speak for 4-H, as I left it as it has left agriculture, and in what I speak for FFA please know It is in no way an official position.
I realize the controversy surrounding the Id system. Personally I feel that we’ve jumped the gun a little bit. But what I feel should be understood is that a boycott of the FFA will do nothing but hurt your cause. The FFA and Agricultural Education need all parts of the industry in order to better develop the future of American Agriculture. Also often times these regulations come down from other parts such as the Dept. of Ag, or the state’s Assoc. of Vo-Ag Teachers. Livestock shows are not run by the FFA in most places and this requirement as far as I know only applies to those showing animals.
While I’m a poultry producer, I have connections to Beef, Swine, and other areas of Livestock. Those students who have these SAEs are only required to register animals they show, not animals in their enterprises. If you are going to a Vo-Ag show and racking in the money, the organization can regulate that, but only a few ever show in Vo-Ag fairs and the regulation itself affects only a few.
I respectfully disagree with your positions but more so I urge you to take an active role in ag education by working on developing forums and sparking the debate in the FFA and work on modeling the future of Agriculture instead of turning your back on it. You can never succeed by quitting. Take up your “cross” and present your views in a respectable manner in the schools.
FFA is about agriculture. As my family depends on grain, we love ethanol, but our neighbor pork producers hate it as their feed prices are higher. We can host the debate, but only if your willing to educate. I implore you to not boycott the FFA, but to kindle debate and possibly encourage youth to speak on it in public speaking.
Together we can represent American Agriculture but when you boycott us your voice is lost and you’re left out of the process. Stay involved!
Sincerely,
Thomas Marten
IL Section 15 FFA President
Waggoner, IL
Comment Thomas Marten, IL Section 15 FFA President — June 20, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
Thomas
I boycotted 4H this year and I will not join FFA either because you do not speak for me. You promote the factory farm, profits first, big, big, big, big, big wasteful agricultural model of modern industry. That is the opposite of what I want to teach my children. Add NAIS to it and you have lost me and a lot of other families. We dont have to have 4H or FFA to learn how to raise animals. You are just one way. If you really cared you would boycot NAIS because it teaches our children to submit to unreasonable government search and seizure and violations of our Constitutional rights. Dont just be a lacky for big agriculture big business.
Janice
Comment Janice — June 21, 2008 @ 5:07 am
Thomas, the FFA applied for and received money from the USDA, through a cooperative agreement, to promote NAIS. The FFA chose to sell out its youth, its integrity, its reputation, the farming community, and the families who supported FFA. We didn’t quit the FFA; they quit us.
Agriculture once survived without FFA and 4-H. Hearing from caring parents like Janice convinces me that we will all do just fine without FFA and 4-H.
Comment Ann Nelson — June 21, 2008 @ 9:09 am
I totally agree that 4-H and FFA needs to be boycotted and all breed shows. Heres a little history on 4-H.
link
In 1914 Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, establishing the Extension Services of the Land-Grant Colleges of the nation. Extension and club work was thus placed on a firm foundation nationally. With the passage of the Smith-Lever Act by Congress in 1914, all Cooperative Extension work, including boys’ and girls’ clubs, became an official function of the United States Department of Agriculture directed through the land-grant college system. The second Morrill Act of 1890 established Extension at the black land-grant universities. The act was amended and then consolidated in 1953. Discussions on the floors of both houses of Congress on May 21, 1953, clearly established that Cooperative Extension was to continue conducting 4-H work.
link
Each registered 4-H Club is designated, by the federal government, as a 501(c) 3 organization which is a non-profit educational organization status. On this particular site Michigan State University Extension , Livingston County 4-H Club Fund Raiser form it states Livingston County 4-H is a function of our local, state and federal government and the use of the 4-H name and emblem is patented by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Also the 4-H is practicing the United Nations Earth Charter to “Change” your childs thinking for the 21st century. Who voted in the United Nations which is just a membership organization to “change” our thinking on sustainable development or values and morales? And why are our childeren being taught a foreign material when the USA already has laws on the books to protect the health of animal and to protect the environment.
Thomas do you have any clue why the 4-H is teaching “Citizenship” to our children and how about “Gender Equity?”
Not only is the 4H being taught this but public schools, that is why homeschooling is being challenged in California, They want total control of what is being taught to your child to “change” the thinking of the younger generation.
Thomas I suggest you do some reading because your freedom to come and go is also affected not just the farmers and hobbyist but all of us.
Thomas you stated “Together we can represent American Agriculture but when you boycott us your voice is lost and you’re left out of the process. Ha thats a laugh The USDA absolutely believes the opponents are Miss informed. They have shown that all of our comments are tossed and only those “Stakeholders” representing industry is what matters.
Thomas one thing about NAIS is that it is again directed from “Agreements” with foreign nations which “We the People” did not vote in. They are abiding by organizations such as the OIE, FAO, WHO, Codex Alimentarius Commission, SPS & TBT to name a few.
This sentence is very important to understand and how important it is to the food supply.
Aims to ensure that governments do not use quarantine and food safety requirements as Unjustified trade barriers to protect domestic industries from import competition. It provides Member countries with a right to implement traceability as an SPS measure.
Do you think this is one reason why cattle are not tested for BSE, that food safety is considered a trade barrier?
Do some research Thomas as we all did and it will open your eyes up to a whole new world that they have tried to hide from us via all the propaganda.
Comment Gisela — June 22, 2008 @ 11:09 am
thomas,i dont know how old you are,but if you are still in high school i would say your ag advisor has been brain washing you, maybe not of his own accord but maybe was told to promote nais. either way nais is not good.i would hope a smart fellow like you could see through this taking of private rights by a government that has become a hudge monster acting in ways that are just not american,and i mean USofA american,not north american union american.if your grand dad is still around ask him what he thinks.
Comment nick — June 23, 2008 @ 10:35 pm