A classic example of the misinformation being pandered by the misinformants

The following article is has obviously been written using the USDA's How To Handbook. The mantra is "we need to dispel some myths and misinformation from a 'small group of producers'". We, that small group, are totally educated about NAIS and only seek to shine a light under the USDA's bushel basket to reveal the truth.

The liars call the truth tellers liars so often the liars don't even know they are lying anymore.

Animal ID myths to be exposed at ag summit

Oklahoma

Perhaps no agricultural program has ever generated more heated debate or misinformation than the National Animal Identification System proposed by USDA. State Veterinarian, Dr. Becky Brewer, plans to dispel some myths about the program at the upcoming Oklahoma Farm and Ranch Summits.

"We need to address the falsehoods that are circulating about this program and what it will mean to livestock owners," she said. "There is a small group of producers who have voiced cost and privacy concerns and we need to address those fears."

The Oklahoma Farm and Ranch Summits will be held in Weatherford and Okemah on April 26 and 27 and May 10 and 11 respectively. Brewer said she hopes people who do not know enough about the program and those who oppose the program will attend.

"Most producers who have taken the time to learn what this program is about understand that it's an animal health monitoring tool and many have registered their premises," she said. "What we need now is the opportunity to present the facts to the other side."

The animal identification program was created to enable animal health officials to determine the origin of livestock found to be diseased within 48 hours of discovery. Brewer said the 2003 discovery of an imported dairy cow that tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy proved the need for such a program.

"Canada's animal identification program enabled us to trace the infected cow to the farm where it was born," she said. "Had it originated somewhere in the U.S. we may have never determined exactly what farm it came from."

Agritourism, water issues, biofuels and other topics are also scheduled for the summits. The western regional summit in Weatherford will also feature no-till farming practices while the eastern summit in Okemah has a program on prescribed burning and other forestry issues scheduled.

Each summit begins on a Thursday evening with a reception and presentations on successful agritourism venues. The western summit will be held at P-Bar Farms and the eastern summit at The Grape Ranch.

For those who pre-register by April 20 the cost of the programs are $10 for the Thursday evening program only, $20 for the Friday program only, or $25 for both days. Registration at the door will be $15 for Thursdays, $25 for Friday programs or $35 for both days.

Pre-registration information is available online at www.oda.state.ok.us. To register by telephone contact Amber Lawles, Associate Commissioner of Agriculture at 405-522-5489.

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4/23/07

5 Star OK

Date: 4/19/07