April 26, 2007

Wisconsin farmers express concern on livestock identification rule

Changes in livestock identification rules have made farmers in Wisconsin wary of its financial consequences, particularly those who operate on small farms.

Ken Ruegsegger, a farmer in the Town of Paoli said most farmers in the state and across the United States may not afford the extra costs of the changes.

The rule, which is set to take full effect on May 1, seeks to make it easier to track animals in case of a disease outbreak.

But the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said there are misconceptions about the new system.

Donna Gilson, the department's spokeswoman said the changes is not all about animal identification but a premises registration, stressing only the full identification of the animal and other information will be needed.