AN UPDATE FROM OUR NATION’S CAPITAL
USDA Releases Final Traceability Rule
Last week, USDA released their final traceability rule which amends a previous 2013 rule requiring sexually intact cattle 18 months of age or older, rodeo and exhibition cattle, and dairy cattle moving interstate to have an official form of animal identification. The 2013 rule instituted visual ID tags for interstate movement. The new rule switches to use of electronic ID tags, which are easier to read and would yield a faster traceability response in the case of a foreign animal disease outbreak. Only 11% of the U.S. cattle herd will be impacted by this rule, and it will not take effect for six months to provide time for producers to prepare.
Why it matters: The U.S. cattle industry faces immense threats from foreign animal diseases, which can be carried into the country by individual travelers, on contraband products, or through regular commerce. It is estimated that a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the U.S. would lead to $221 billion in economic losses. To avoid devastating financial losses during a potential outbreak and to help producers quickly return to commerce, we need an efficient animal disease traceability system. NCBA worked hard to secure $15 million in funding for producers to reduce the cost of implementing this change, and NCBA remains committed to continuing to reduce the cost of ear tags as well as safeguarding the private data of cattle producers.Landmark Habitat Bill Passes Committee
The House Natural Resources Committee advanced the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act out of committee, and now the bill moves to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR) and would make important investments in state-led conservation projects, delist recovered species, and support cattle producers involved in voluntary species conservation agreements.
Why it matters: This bill represents a major investment in supporting locally led conservation. Putting states and localities more in control of wildlife conservation efforts will lead to much better results because it utilizes the knowledge of producers on the ground rather than forcing stakeholders to default to what a bureaucrat in Washington, D.C., thinks is best. NCBA strongly supports the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act and is urging the House for swift passage.
USDA APHIS Requirements for Interstate Shipment of Lactating Cows
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in multiple lactating dairy cows across multiple states since March 25, 2024. The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has responded by issuing requirements for interstate shipment of lactating dairy cows. So far, HPAI has not been found in beef cattle and these requirements do not apply to beef cattle.
NCBA Offers Fall Semester Internships
Applications are now open for two NCBA internships that give students an opportunity to support the cattle industry and gain valuable experience. The programs include a Public Policy internship and a Meetings and Events internship. Interning at NCBA is a great way to start a career in animal agriculture and see what skills could support the U.S. cattle industry. Fall internships begin in August 2024 and end in December 2024. Applications are due by May 31, 2024.
- The Public Policy internship, based in Washington, D.C., is held in conjunction with the Public Lands Council and gives students an opportunity to learn about government relations and advocacy on behalf of the cattle industry. Public policy interns support NCBA’s Government Affairs team and assist in representing cattle producers in our nation’s capital. Apply here.
The meetings and events internship, based in Denver, Colorado, provides students with the chance to learn about managing large events like NCBA’s annual convention and summer business meeting. Meetings and events interns learn about event marketing, registration, sponsorship sales, supplier relations, and overall event production. Apply here.
WEEKLY WEATHER WATCH
We have had a lot of water falling across the Central U.S. and will continue to see threats of severe thunderstorms with flooding for the Southern Delta region. To the north, rainfall will continue favoring the Midwest this week.
Meanwhile, the High Plains and Rocky Mountain regions will need to stay diligent about ignition sources, as frequent strong wind events will increase fire dangers.
