More ID Requirements Coming for Livestock Producers

By Don Molino, Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain met Thursday night in Ouachita Parish with area livestock producers to discuss several issues including the direction of the price of cattle and the Veterinary Feed Directive.

During his report on the Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network, Strain explained that directive requires livestock producers to get a written order from a licensed veterinarian before any animal can be injected with antibiotics. 

“It can’t be used for growth promotion or disease prevention, it can only be used specifically to treat diseases,” said Strain.

Another topic covered was the National Animal ID System, which requires livestock moving from state to state to be permanently marked with an electronic chip, for instance, or a metal ear tag. “And very soon, calves under 18 months will also have to be marked with a permanent form of identification,” according to Strain.

The commissioner also reported President Trump says he plans to meet with farmers and agri-business executive soon who are worried about US trade policy.

“That’s the word coming from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS).  I met with Senator Roberts about a month ago (in his capacity as President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture) in his Washington office.  We had a very long discussion about trade. Trade is key to rural America and trade is key to rural Louisiana, as we export $8.3 billion work of products,” said Strain.