R-CALF and the NAIS

I can't say that I know much about R-CALF (which stands for, "Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund"), but while looking for something else on the "Big Show" website I ran across a post that said that they were offering an alternative to the NAIS legislation to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. Of course this piqued my interest because the thought of an alternative (especially if it is a good alternative) is something that I can get on board with. Of course I haven't had time to scrutinize everything yet, but I will provide some links for your perusal.

• Here is the official R-CALF website. You will find lots of information on this site, including their "About" section.
• This is a link to the .pdf of their "Eight Point Alternative to NAIS". On the surface it appears to add power to current rules and regulations instead of trying to fix a system by adding another completely confusing system on top of it. If that is the case then I could get on board.
• Any good organization will have a FAQ section. You can check out the R-CALF FAQ at this link ... it says they have 12,000 members nationwide, not to bad for only 11 years of existance.
• And finally, this link will take you to a page of various media from and about R-CALF and their doings. It looks like there are some interesting articles to check out if you scroll down a bit.

Like I said, I would love to hear your thoughts on their alternative to the NAIS. Is this a step in the right direction?

I Find This Interesting...

My in-laws are at the farm this week helping us (doing most of the work) finish up the last few inside projects before the newly instituted loan deadline. What that means for me though is that I now have a couple new issues of the "Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman". Below you will find some quotes from an editorial that I found rather interesting. I have left out a few words so as not to give away the subject right away, but it might work to put the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) in the place of the missing words...

"Several ??? groups, and the lawmakers who support them, are using the passage of ballot initiatives as launching pads to impose even stricter rules on how farmers care for livestock."

"While the proposed rules are always couched as better for animals, the long-term goal appears to be placing burdensome and unreasonable restrictions on livestock farmers."

"That would raise costs and reduce production of meat and other animal products, ultimately making those products less available and less affordable for consumers."

"That, in turn, would help to promote the goal of many of the ??? groups..."

"In the end, these groups truly want Americans to throw away a food system that is the envy of the world because it provides abundance, wholesomeness and diversity at an affordable price."

Now, if you haven't figured it out already this editorial writer is talking about specifically about the humane livestock laws (or whatever they are calling them) that have recently passed in places like California. But, I think all of those quotes could have easily been referencing the much talked about NAIS ...

Why won't the Iowa Farm Bureau, and other organizations like them, speak out against the NAIS loudly? It is set-up to trample on the rights of farmers and citizens of the United States just as much as this legislation that I have seen them right about alot in the pages of their publications...

Fighting the NAIS Battle

I think one of the best things that could happen in the fight against the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is that consumers would become as outraged as the small farmers are across the country. I admit that to the average consumer something like the NAIS probably sounds like an idea that is best for everybody, but if you dig down deep it to what the system really entails you will find that is far from the truth. To that end I asked my friend, Michael Y. Park, over at the Epi-Log if he could do a post on the NAIS.

I think he came up with an excellent and very informational post on the subect, and the comments afterwards are equally interesting. Take the link above to check out his post and whenever you come across some good NAIS information pass it along!

You've Got to Be Kidding Me!

After my post earlier this week on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) I decided it has time that I took heed of my own advice (along with the advice of the comments) and made sure I stayed up-to-date on the happenings surrounding NAIS and all of it's cronies. The first thing I did was to read through some of the posts I missed at NoNAIS.org and make sure I'm following it daily. It was my daily reading that lead me to this post and this link from the National Independent Consumers and Farmers Association. If you don't ever read another link I offer up on the blog you MUST read this one!

It would be great if I could file this information in the, "Crazy ... Unbelievable ... No Way This Could Happen in America File", but with the money of large corporations behind it I fear that it is an all too real danger. When you combine the information in this "White Paper" from the NICFA with the very real legislation in our government right now (HR 875 check out that link ... there is commentary on the bill and a link to the bill itself) you can see why there are so many small farmers outraged at what is going on ... and I hope there is just as many consumers that are outraged!

Here are a few tidbits form the NICFA "White Paper". Tell me why I shouldn't believe this and why I shouldn't be outraged ... please tell me (it would be so much easier if I didn't think this was a problem).

"During this economic downturn, when small farms are the fastest growing agriculture sector, these expanding sources of employment and local food production would fail. At the same time, taxpayer burden would increase to pay for government agencies to oversee and enforce NAIS."

"The monetary and time costs to implement NAIS are prohibitive for any but the largest industrial livestock producers. Small farms, that make up the vast majority of agricultural holdings, could not comply and sustain their operations."

"The USDA’s claim that “modern” technology will enable 48-hour traceback during disease outbreak is untenable. In reality, NAIS will not prevent disease because it does not address the cause of disease. Traceback can help track the movement of disease, but if a cataclysmic foreign animal disease outbreak occurred, NAIS will not improve on the current system for containment and quarantine."

What is Up With the NAIS?

I have received e-mails from multiple people asking me to write about the proposed/being forcefully implemented National Animal Identification System (NAIS). What I am somewhat embarrassed to admit is that I really don't know much about NAIS or what is going on with the bill other than what I read when I pop over to NoNAIS.org. The thing about it is that the NAIS legislation is coming from many different directions (from what I can understand) and that there are farmers (big and small) all over the board on the issue (most likely because not everyone understands what it is all about.

So, this is what I would like to do. Since I'm not really up-to-date on the ins and outs of NAIS and how we can help prevent it (because I do believe it is very harmful to the small farms and the rights of Americans) I would like to hear from you. Can you share any insight into the NAIS fight or the current events surrounding the issue? How about suggesting someone to interview on the subject (Mr. Jeffries???)? Is it being implemented in areas around the country to some degree? I would love to hear personal thoughts and information!

In the meantime I suggest you head over to NoNAIS.org and read up (just as I'm doing). This is one of those deals where we need to work togother to stay informed on the issues and take a stand for each other (farmers and consumers alike).

**In case you missed it, you should check out the previous post for information on the 500th Post Book Giveaway**

National Animal Identification System

Lately I have a couple readers write and tell me that I should write a post about the proposed Nation Animal Identification System. Up until this point I have to admit that I didn't really know much about it other than the fact that it wouldn't be a good thing for small farmers and their consumers. I just didn't feel that I had a good enough grasp on the situation to throw my thoughts into the fray. But, after reading a little and being encouraged to write about it I thought I should at least throw some things out for discussion. Today, I just wanted to share some links that I have used as I try and learn more about this proposed system and what it means to me ... and my animals!

The first site I went to on my search was, NoNAIS.org. This website is run by Walter Jeffries of Sugar Mountain Farm in Vermont. I often read his blog so I have read his thoughts on NAIS from time to time and I have seen the link ... but, I am sorry to admit that this was the first time I visited the website. On this site you will find posts updating you on what is going on with the NAIS and links to other articles and sites that will help keep you informed.

Another great article I read (found through NoNAIS.org) that gives a good overview of the system and what is at stake is, "The National Animal Identification System: A new threat to rural freedom?" The article appeared in Countryside and Small Stock Journal and was written by, Mary Zanoni, Ph.D., J.D. This article is a few years old, but it is very relevant even today. If you have no knowledge of the NAIS or a limited knowledge I encourage you to check it out.

One last link you should check out is the NAIS Comments thread on Homesteading Today. The thread is over 1,000 posts and counting. I think that says a lot to the importance of this issue. If you take some time to read through the thread (I just took a little time to skim) you will find people for and many people against the NAIS. I think communication is the key here ... the more we know and the more we can communicate with each other what is going on the better off we are.

So, if this is fairly new to you check out those sites and inform yourself. One neat thing you will find on NoNAIS.org are links to discussion groups for most if not all states against the NAIS. Join the one for your state and make sure you are informed and communicating.

If you know quite a bit about the NAIS and have followed it closely enlighten those of us who have passed over it for too long.