October 17, 2007

Wisconsin looking for livestock ID volunteers

The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) is planning on-farm ID implementation projects, and is seeking for volunteers to test the technology.

WLIC seeks at least 10 dairies, 10 beef operations, five pork operations, five sheep farms, five goat operations and five of other species to volunteer for the projects.

According to WLIC chief operating officer Robert Fourdraine, the projects offer producers an opportunity to try an ID system and technology in its daily operations and develop a system that meets regulatory needs, causes minimal intrusion into daily operations and still provides simultaneous benefits for both livestock producers and industry groups.

Project results will be used to show how ID and its technology impacts farm management, disease containment and traceability.

Of those operations chosen by WLIC to participate, 33 percent will use a traditional, paper-based ID system. The other 66 percent of operations will use RFID (radio frequency ID) devices and integrate electronic data collection and herd management software. In all cases, WLIC will provide project participants with ID materials, devices, data collection equipment and software.