North America's largest membership organization dedicated to supporting, representing and communicating with and for the entire livestock marketing sector.

#SELLATAUCTION

November 9, 2024

EID Enforcement Must be Suspended Immediately

Livestock Marketing Association urges USDA to suspend enforcement of the electronic identification, or EID, rule immediately. The current state of tag availability in various states is setting this transition — and the livestock industry — up for failure. Our policy is clear in both opposing any move to mandatory individual identification of feeder cattle and demanding any mandate on currently covered animals be fully funded by USDA. This includes readers, infrastructure, tags, tag application, data collection and data management. Despite our extensive efforts in working with Congress, USDA and state veterinarians to ensure this program is handled effectively, major issues remain with the allocation and availability of USDA-provided EID tags needed to comply with the rule. Since this sets up an unfunded mandate on cattle producers, enforcement must be suspended. We will continue to work with Congress, state veterinarians, our member auctions and USDA to impact change on this issue. You can read our most recent letter to USDA by clicking this link.

Livestock producers face challenges with land, labor, over-regulation, and input costs. By working together, all industry segments can accomplish so much more than working individually. There is truly strength in numbers, and it will take us all to build a stronger, more sustainable livestock industry. Learn more here.

Check out the awesome variety of LMA-branded merchandise for you and your crew! Keep coming back for new styles and designs, and let your LMA and Sell at Auction spirit shine.

Want to teach the story of the auction method of selling livestock? We can help.

Our new coloring and activity book, Sale Day: A Market Marshals story, and its accompanying crayon pack is now available at no cost to Livestock Marketing Association members.