CICA Leaders Spend Time in Washington, DC
Talking Issues With Policy-Makers

"This was a very productive trip," noted Reid. "We had the opportunity to spend time with administrators of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) where we discussed very frankly the issues in Colorado surrounding the NAIS program. I feel comfortable that administrators understand there is a great deal of work to be done before any animal health trace back program is accepted and embraced by producers. I appreciated their willingness to listen. I’m confident we’ve opened lines of communication that will permit direct access for further discussion of the issues and resolutions."

"There is no doubt that U.S. producers’ first priority is keeping animal disease out of this country, followed by quick and effective control of any disease crisis if it occurs," continued Reid. "To accomplish this we must work with state veterinarians and animal health officials across the country to develop a program that fits the needs of individual states. The current NAIS system fails to harmonize already existing animal identification systems in place, and many believe it intrudes on individual property rights. CICA will continue to work closely with the Colorado State Veterinarian and USDA to ensure that an appropriate, functional system is developed and implemented. USDA administrators know that under these conditions we will work closely with them on the ground here in Colorado."

Reid served as co-chair of the Colorado Coalition Opposing Mandatory Premises Registration for 4-H and FFA this past year. The coalition defeated an effort by Colorado State University’s Cooperative Extension Service and the Colorado Department of Agriculture to implement mandatory premises registration for youth enrolled in live animal projects. The coalition continues to work with state legislators on the issues surrounding NAIS in Colorado.

While in Washington, DC, Reid and Zalesky also met with House and Senate leadership staff to discuss the 2007 Farm Bill, the proposed Pinon Canyon Expansion plan, international trade, NAIS and beef checkoff reform.

Zalesky, a veteran advocate for the cattle industry on international trade issues, testified before the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Thursday, November 15.

"These meetings were facilitated by the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and its Director of Government Affairs, Jess Peterson," said Reid. "Jess is accomplishing a great deal in Washington, DC for U.S. cattle producers. I deeply appreciate his willingness to coordinate these meetings."

Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association (CICA) is Colorado’s fastest-growing grassroots cattle producer organization, representing cattle growers on a state and national level. CICA's voting membership is comprised only of cattle producers. Membership dues are $50 annually. To join contact Kimmi Lewis at 719.384.4093 or email at mvrkim@rural-com.com.

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