Regarding NAIS and Premises I.D.

Messrs. Penley and Johnson,

About a year ago I started getting solicitations from Colorado Farm Bureau and the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture to register our several cattle ranch premises. More recently I have received reports which name CSU as the sponsor of premises registration efforts through 4-H, FFA and the State Fair.

It is reported that the young people whose livestock are domiciled on non-registered properties will be disqualified from participation in the activities of these organizations.

Obviously, this approach to premises registration is highly suspect, at best. At worst, it's coercive and
underhanded---using children to pressure property owners to participate in a "voluntary"
program. Further, it suggests a fundamental disparity between the truth and what USDA spokesmen publicly state about the program being voluntary.

While you are probably reluctant to openly pass judgment on the motives or methods of USDA, you certainly have a vested interest in not allowing CSU to become complicit in this transparent scheme.

Ward Churchill has put CU on the map nationwide. I'd hate to have CSU attract the same kind of ridicule (in farm and ranch circles) for promoting the hugely unpopular and problematic premises registration campaign.

If Rutgers or Cal Berkeley were backing NAIS most of rural America couldn't care less. But CSU has earned the role and reputation as one of the very best "ag schools" in the country. So, don't think for a minute that being identified in a cozy relationship with USDA on this issue will not carry a significant cost. And deservedly so, in my opinion.

If I am misinformed, please set me straight---and I will be honor bound to so advise others who are scrutinizing the role of Colorado State University in this costly and essentially useless federal program.

Respectfully,

Stan Searle

Searle Ranches
Monument and Ellicott