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Tracing program little benefit to cattle producers
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
The benefit of tracing all livestock headed to market is being questioned by farmers and municipalities across the Peace Region.
Councillors at the M.D. of Big Lakes can not agree on the validity of the controversial program, which is costing farmers money and receiving little return.
Council was presented with a resolution from Northern Sunrise County suggesting a moratorium be placed on Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development’s traceability program for two years.
“. . .until such time a more reliable, cost-effective process can be developed,” reads their resolution.
The government wants the program in place for all cattle born in Alberta after Jan. 1, 2009. Any cattle leaving their farm of origin could be traced so officials would know exactly where the animal came from.
However, a complex paper trail is being created and the manpower to maintain and regulate the program is creating huge obstacles, says Northern Sunrise County.
And, the local farmer is receiving little or no financial benefit.
“I’m not against the resolution,” said Reeve Alvin Billings.
Prairie Echo, Salt Prairie Councillor David Marx agreed.
But Joussard Councillor Guy L’Heureux was not convinced.
“We’ve gone so far we can’t back out,” he said, noting Asian markets are paying $100 more per animal.
“And they want traceability,” said L’Heureux.
“The Asian market may freeze for two years,” warned L’Heureux if the program was stopped.
Other issues need to be considered such as loss of tags – a normal occurrence in farming. Tags are lost at the farm, in transport or at feedlots creating huge problems. Other tags are simply lost in the system.
Marx suggested perhaps the industry made a mistake years ago.
“Maybe we should test all animals,” said Marx. “That’s what the Pacific Rim wants.”
An offer was made in 2004 to test all animals for $10 a head and is in fact cheaper than today’s program.
The regional ASB conference was in Grande Prairie Oct. 16.
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