Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders caught up on commodity issues and programs The group heard from several industry leaders on topics such as farm policy, A particular interest to the group is the development of the National Animal “Through the National Animal Identification System, designed and facilitated This is not a food safety issue, but an animal health issue, with the primary In addition to the state veterinarian, Oklahoma State University Ag Economist Several Farm Bureau commodity chairmen and women also gave reports on
during the second annual OFB Commodity Conference held May 18 in Oklahoma
City.
animal health and various commodity information.
Identification System (NAIS), which is in the beginning stages of
implementation. Although not mandatory until January 2008, livestock producers
may begin taking necessary steps to introduce to the identification system into
their own operations, said Dr. Becky Brewer-Walker, State Veterinarian.
through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma animal producers can now
sign up and begin participating in this animal identification program,” said Dr.
Brewer-Walker.
purpose being animal traceability, said Dr. Brewer-Walker. What we are working
toward is a uniform, nationally recognized individual numbering system.
Dr. Mike Dicks addressed farm policy, recent WTO rulings and agriculture
appropriations. Following Dr. Dicks’ presentation, Marla Peek, OFB director of
regulatory affairs, discussed current cases in which the Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Legal Foundation is involved.
Oklahoma commodities,
swine; Steven Clay, peanuts; Mike Spradling, equine; Mike Schulz, cotton; Dr.
David VonTungeln, animal health; Rebecca Ferda, beef cattle; and Ralph Meade,
wheat.
For more on specific commodities, or to find OFB commodity representatives,
visit
