Appeal Filed on RFID Tag Requirement

As USDA’s final ruling for mandatory RFID ear tags for cattle goes into effect, R-CALF USA is asking the federal courts to intervene. The brief was filed by the New Civil Liberties Alliance on R-CALF’s behalf. In addition to the government oversight, R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard said the rule adds unnecessary costs to cattle operations. “It’s about gaining more managerial control over the livelihoods of independent livestock producers and dictating how they must manage their cattle in Phase One,” said Bullard. “In order for this rule to be effective, there must be another rule in the pipeline. That second rule is going to impose even more burdensome costs.” R-CALF is collecting signatures for a petition requesting that Congress step in and reverse the USDA mandate.