National FAIR Announces Tag Education Program

BRATTLEBORO, VT (September 12, 2006) – The National Farm Animal Identification and Records (FAIR) program now offers free educational resources to help dairy producers make the most effective and efficient use of their animal identification protocols. “Tagging animals may seem like a routine job. But proper placement of the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tag is critical to the success of an animal identification program,” says John M. Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA, Inc., which administers the National FAIR program. Proper tag placement improves the ability of RFID readers to read tags properly. This creates a strong data chain throughout the food production system, and leads to effective tracking of animals from farm to processing facility. Tagging animals the right way is important and easy to do, once producers understand the basic procedures. Materials developed through the “Tag ID: Easy as 1-2-3” program include an educational brochure and a durable, waterproof farm sign. The sign can be posted in maternity pens where most tags are applied, and is available in both English and Spanish. A poster is also available for display in common work areas to reinforce key steps and the importance of proper tag application. “National FAIR has long been a proponent of the development of an effective, efficient national animal identification system,” says Meyer. “In order for this system to work at peak efficiency, producers need to make sure processes are in place to get the RFID tag placed properly.” Participants in the National FAIR program will receive copies of these materials through the mail. Others can go online at www.nationalfair.com to order materials. Posters and farm signs will also be available at the Holstein Association booth at World Dairy Expo and other industry trade shows. All materials are free. The National FAIR program is administered by Holstein Association, USA.  National FAIR is a partnership between USDA/APHIS and the Holstein Association. To date, more than 3 million dairy and beef animals from more than 15,000 farms have been enrolled in the National FAIR database.