Taking Shape

摘要

As nebulous as it may appear, the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is beginning to take shape. The pace is still slower than some would like, and the road toward a fully realized National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is strewn withquestion marks. But, producers can now register their premises in a number of states, and soon will be able to tag individual animals to comply with the program. In fact, Neil Hammerschmidt, NAIS coordinator, says, "We've made tremendous progress with the foundation of the system." Specifically, Hammerschmidt is referring to the Standardized Premises Registration System adopted by USDA in August that is part of the framework for NAIS implementation. So far, he says 15 states are up and running with thesystem, with another 17 in various stages of becoming operational with it. He adds, three tribes and 11 other states have requested use of one of the nine other premises registration systems currently being reviewed by USDA.