Although the USDA's identification program is tentatively planned to be implemented in 2009, there are definite advantages to taking steps now to comply with the upcoming regulations...

• Working toward full compliance now will give you advantages over producers who opt to wait until the deadline... You will have already implemented the physical requirements and will be setup and familiar with a national recordkeeping database. 

 
• By acting now, you avoid the possibility of having livestock that are substantially unmerchantable due to non-compliance, once the program is fully implemented.

 
• Prior to the 2009 deadline, livestock whose origin/age can already be verified will likely receive a premium in the marketplace...  Especially those purchased for breeding purposes or sold to wholesalers/retailers/consumers that may require certified origin/age products prior to the deadline.

.n..Suggested Procedures:

• Tag each animal with a Radio Frequency Indentification tag (RFID tag)...

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• To determine if a Premise identification number is available in your state, go to the USDA's website or check with your County Extentsion Office, state's Department of Agriculture, or state veterinarian.  If not available, use your name, physical address, and telephone number to document your premise.

 
• Record the birth date of each animal, or the date the first calf of a particular year's calf crop was born.

 
• Keep these records in your possession... You may be required to allow verification of your records.

 
• Select a national database... Tag numbers and your name/address/phone-number or Premise ID number must be entered into the database

.n..Buyers are entitled to retrieve the tag numbers and your name/address/phone-number or Premise ID number from the database for the cattle they purchased from you.