Dear Friend,
The USDA’s new rule requiring that adult cattle and bison crossing state lines have a tag that is both electronically and visually readable went info effect Nov. 5, 2024. This disproportionately harms smaller independent producers and is already proving to be challenging on a practical level.
We’ve already heard reports of veterinarians being unable to obtain the traditional low-tech forms of official ID even for those cows moving just within the state and having to use an electronic ID instead. This is one of the many problems with the rule that we predicted!
The Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America and allies, represented by the New Civil Liberties Alliance, have filed a lawsuit to reverse the rule and formally requested that USDA postpone enforcement of the rule to allow for more dialogue and adjustments to reduce the negative impacts on farmers and ranchers.
The American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association has also asked the USDA for delayed implementation of the rule as have other organizations. We are looking for Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund members and supporters to also contact the USDA to support a delay of enforcement.
Legislators need to hear from you about this as well!
TAKE ACTION TODAY
1.Contact Secretary Tom Vilsack at the USDA to urge him to delay this rule’s enforcement. Call the USDA Office of the Secretary at: (202) 720-7100.
2.Contact your U.S. Representative(s) and urge them to also weigh in and urge the USDA delay enforcement. Need help identifying or contacting your House Representative?
Find Your U.S. Representative
KEY TALKING POINTS AND SCRIPT
Let them know that rushing implementation could cause even greater harm to small farms. Remind them that our farmers deserve the flexibility to choose what works best for their operations, especially when it comes to on-farm practices and Animal ID.
You can view the letter submitted to the USDA by the New Civil Liberties Alliance HERE.
SAMPLE SCRIPT
Below is a sample script tailored to calling Secretary Vilsack's office. You can use the same basic talking points when you call your U.S. Representative, but instead of "Urging Secretary Vilsack" to delay the implementation, you are "Urging my Representative to weigh in with Secretary Vilsack to delay implementation."
As always, add your own words and story to have the greatest impact!
1. Introduction
"Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [farmer/rancher/supporter of small farms] calling from [City/State]. I’m calling to express my concerns about the new Animal ID rule under 9 C.F.R. § 86.4(a)(1)(i), which went into effect last week."
2. Message
"I’m very concerned that this rule will impose unnecessary costs and burdens on small farms and ranches, many of which are already operating on tight margins. The implementation timeline doesn’t allow enough time for farmers to adapt, nor does it consider the unique needs of small-scale operations. I’m urging Secretary Vilsack to delay the rule’s enforcement to allow for further input and adjustment."
3. Optional Personalization
"Small farmers and ranchers are essential to our food system, and they deserve policies that support—not hinder—their efforts. For many, this rule could mean added expenses and challenges that aren’t feasible or practical on a small farm or ranch."
4. Closing
"Please pass along my concerns to Secretary Vilsack and encourage him to consider delaying the rule’s enforcement for the sake of small farms across the country. Thank you for your time."
5. End Call
"Thank you very much. I appreciate your attention to this issue."
Learn more about this issue at this link on the FTCLDF website.
