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Not registering
The Country Today ^ | May 2nd, 2007 | Jim Massey

Posted on 05/05/2007 1:02:19 AM PDT by quietolong

Not registering

By Jim Massey

Editor

MADISON
— The May 1 deadline for Wisconsin dairy farmers to register their premises under threat of not having their milk-shipping licenses renewed is on hold.

A standing-room-only crowd of about 75 people on April 25 voiced their discontent and heard an update about the premises registration issue. A group of Wisconsin farmers — mostly dairy producers — have expressed concerns about the mandatory premises program and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's plan to not renew dairy farm licenses for unregistered farms.

Concerns expressed at the March DATCP board meeting prompted formation of a board subcommittee and the informational meeting. Legislators, dairy farmers and other invited guests were asked for opinions about the issue.

Two days after the April 25 meeting, DATCP officials issued a statement saying dairy plant operators should continue to pick up milk from producers even after the May 1 deadline.

'You may continue to pick up milk from licensed producers until and unless the department specifically informs you that the producer's license has been suspended,' DATCP official Tom Leitzke wrote in a memo to dairy plant operators. 'The department is currently reviewing its next steps and has not yet taken any action to suspend milk producer licenses for failure to comply with the livestock premises registration law. However, you should continue to advise your patrons to register their premises as required under the (law).' Rod Nilsestuen, DATCP secretary, used the recent Clark County hog pseudorabies outbreak as an example of how the premises registration program could be used. He said because all farms weren't registered in the outbreak area, DATCP officials had to go door-to-door to find out which producers had hogs on their farms.

'The idea is to know where species of livestock are located, so in case of an outbreak — like pseudorabies this month — our veterinarians can find the farms and determine if there's a problem, test and isolate those animals from the rest of the herd, and minimize losses and the shutdown of markets to the rest of the states and beyond,' Mr. Nilsestuen said. 'Without this program, our markets can be put in jeopardy. Millions of dollars for Wisconsin agriculture are at stake here.'

Several dairy farmers said they didn't want to be forced to register their premises, and that state officials already have enough information about their farms. Rep. Al Ott, R-Forest Junction, called the farmers 'selfish' for thinking about themselves and not what's best for the state's agricultural industry.

'As far as I'm concerned, anything but full compliance is unacceptable,' Rep. Ott said. 'You talk about your personal feelings and violating your rights on this. All I can think about is the selfishness that your position presents. It's very selfish to put the state of Wisconsin at risk because you don't want to have a (premises) number.

'Do you want us to spend money foolishly, going up and down the road to find where these animals are when we could do it more effectively and at a lower cost? You come in here and expect the state of Wisconsin to roll over just because you don't want a premises ID and risk the rest of the state, the economic value, the national and international marketplaces. I think that is wrong. I'm offended that you can't recognize that we're trying to protect you all.'

Rep. Barbara Gronemus, D-Whitehall, was the primary sponsor of the premises registration law passed in 2004. She said DATCP staff interpreted the law differently than she intended.

'I made a grave mistake when I assumed that the department of agriculture would be the friend of the farmer when it came to this premises registration (law),' Rep. Gronemus said. 'I never intended to have the department uses premises registration to determine who were going to be the producers of the dairy industry in our state. I never thought that you would use that heavy-handed method that has become a public issue now.' Mark Brothen, a Viroqua dairy farmer, said the mandatory premises registration program supersedes the federal government's voluntary animal-identification program.

'The USDA has indicated that participation in the (National Animal Identification System) is voluntary and that producers can opt not to participate,' Mr. Brothen said. 'This means to me that I cannot be penalized for refusing to place a voluntary premises code on my farm or property.'

He criticized state officials for using a federal grant to run the premises registration program. 'The ag department has a conflict of interest — $1.7 million has been allocated (to Wisconsin) for the program for fiscal year 2007,' Mr. Brothen said. 'How many pieces of silver must we accept, Mr. Nilsestuen?' Jim Matson, a DATCP attorney, said the state's premises registration program isn't preempted by federal law. 'We believe it is, on its face, a mandatory law and there are certain sanctions that apply,' Mr. Matson said. Mike Dummer, DATCP board chairman, said the DATCP board and agency officials would consider the meeting comments, but the agency has a responsibility to implement the law.

'It's not a maybe-we-should-or-shouldn't deal,' he said. 'This agency has responsibilities to the Legislature. This rule was mandatory by Jan. 1, 2006, and this is how long we've continued to extend an outreach and education effort. In truth, (the Legislature) could confront the agency and say you are way past your deadline.

'As an agency, where do we go? We're caught between the Legislature telling us what to do and what the producers are saying are their concerns and issues. Somehow we have to make the call, and it's not going to be popular with everyone. At some point we won't have the option of procrastinating. At some point we have to draw a line in the sand.'

Deb Reinhart, Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium chairwoman, said state officials should 'continue to work to make all producers find ways to be in compliance.'

'We do not want a disaster dictating how we manage our industry,' Ms. Reinhart said. 'I have been told by our state vet that if we would have a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Florida, that in two weeks nothing would move on or off my dairy farm. I get paid for what I produce on my dairy. If I cannot feed my cows or ship my milk, I no longer have a livelihood. I believe to make premises registration no longer mandatory would be a grave mistake.'

John Peck, Family Farm Defenders executive director, said the group is preparing for legal action against the state if farmers are forced against their will to apply for a premises registration number.

Jim Massey may be reached at jimmassey@mhtc.net.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; Government; US: Wisconsin
KEYWORDS: bigcattleiswatchingu; cowshares; farming; farmregistration; food; healthypeople2010; moralabsolutes; nonais; rfid; tagging
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>>> under threat of not having their milk-shipping licenses renewed <<<

See how it works next it will be driver licenses for not towing the gov. line

>>> hog pseudorabies outbreak <<<<

Also see:
Breaking News:

Testing finds no more pseudorabies

Wonder how that got up here. Think they checked any workers the farms may employ??

1 posted on 05/05/2007 1:02:22 AM PDT by quietolong
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To: quietolong

Be wary of food items from China
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1822637/posts

It’s funny they want to force farmers to tag and register everything But..

Animal ID Makers in Hog Heaven (long but good)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1574414/posts

All livestock to be registered with state [WI-Yes, fish too] ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1509267/posts

I think you are seeing the reasons why they want foreign governments and corps. to run OUR ports, Super highway up from Mexico foreign trucks & drivers.

Americans would stop delivering & unloading ships. To protest this.

This is not only Clinton’s fault but also the Bush’s fault.
I’m exasperated up with the lot.


2 posted on 05/05/2007 1:03:01 AM PDT by quietolong
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To: quietolong

Something more to think about. But most people just won’t get it. Well before it’s too late

New child checks to identify future criminals[UK]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1810410/posts

>>> It proposes to “establish universal checks throughout a child’s development to help service providers to identify those most at risk of offending.” <<<<

U.S. court upholds same-sex teaching to children
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1790407/posts

>>> “entitled to teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens in our democracy.” <<<

Think about it.

Homosexual Lawyers Try to Hide What Happened at Fistgate
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3af058b05e4d.htm

Parent Hit With “Fistgate Lawsuit Responds to Charges.
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a397dbd4958bc.htm

Fistgate Teachers Knew They Were Violating Trust
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/517144/posts

Then there’s this. (see #9)

Animal ID Makers in Hog Heaven (long but good)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1574414/posts

More reading:

All livestock to be registered with state [WI-Yes, fish too] ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1509267/posts

Farm trucks must obtain Federal ID
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1489145/posts

Amish oppose animal ID
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1485362/posts?page=53#53

National ID cards: REAL ID goes too far
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1487846/posts

E-tracking, coming to a DMV near you [DOT wants to track your car wherever it goes]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1546825/posts

NHRA News: Legislation threatens vehicle hobby industry
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/592530/posts

Once the system in in place....Guess who’s next..


3 posted on 05/05/2007 1:04:49 AM PDT by quietolong
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To: quietolong
'As far as I'm concerned, anything but full compliance is unacceptable,' Rep. Ott said. 'You talk about your personal feelings and violating your rights on this. All I can think about is the selfishness that your position presents. It's very selfish to put the state of Wisconsin at risk because you don't want to have a (premises) number. 'Do you want us to spend money foolishly, going up and down the road to find where these animals are when we could do it more effectively and at a lower cost? You come in here and expect the state of Wisconsin to roll over just because you don't want a premises ID and risk the rest of the state, the economic value, the national and international marketplaces. I think that is wrong. I'm offended that you can't recognize that we're trying to protect you all.' Rep. Barbara Gronemus, D-Whitehall, was the primary sponsor of the premises registration law passed in 2004. She said DATCP staff interpreted the law differently than she intended. 'I made a grave mistake when I assumed that the department of agriculture would be the friend of the farmer when it came to this premises registration (law),' Rep. Gronemus said. 'I never intended to have the department uses premises registration to determine who were going to be the producers of the dairy industry in our state. I never thought that you would use that heavy-handed method that has become a public issue now.' Mark Brothen, a Viroqua dairy farmer, said the mandatory premises registration program supersedes the federal government's voluntary animal-identification program. 'The USDA has indicated that participation in the (National Animal Identification System) is voluntary and that producers can opt not to participate,' Mr. Brothen said. 'This means to me that I cannot be penalized for refusing to place a voluntary premises code on my farm or property.'

Well, who knew that this was an entry point for NAID fascism? For those who aren't familiar with NAID, you better get ready for international control of every animal you own - on a farm or not - including your petdoggs, cats and hamsters (oops, you'll be the caged hamsters).

http://nonais.org/
4 posted on 05/05/2007 5:42:20 AM PDT by WorkingClassFilth (ought)
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To: WorkingClassFilth

Sorry about the mis-spellings and lack of formatting. Coffee hasn’t kicked in yet.


5 posted on 05/05/2007 5:43:21 AM PDT by WorkingClassFilth (ought)
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To: WorkingClassFilth
'Do you want us to spend money foolishly, going up and down the road to find where these animals are when we could do it more effectively and at a lower cost? You come in here and expect the state of Wisconsin to roll over just because you don't want a premises ID and risk the rest of the state, the economic value, the national and international marketplaces. I think that is wrong. I'm offended that you can't recognize that we're trying to protect you all.'

We're from the government and we're here to help.

6 posted on 05/05/2007 5:53:20 AM PDT by johniegrad
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To: johniegrad

No kidding. They want every critter you own numbered, registered and controlled. No more country place with a few chickens and a dog - unless you have permission from the commissars. Of course, they’ll say it ain’t so...but when has their power not been expanded, abused or used to take more of your rights?


7 posted on 05/05/2007 6:15:36 AM PDT by WorkingClassFilth (ought)
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To: quietolong

Hmmm - I think the moral absolutes listers would be interestd in this.

Stinks of totalitarianism.


8 posted on 05/05/2007 6:20:34 AM PDT by little jeremiah (Only those who thirst for truth can know truth.)
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To: WorkingClassFilth

Wheen I proposed selling trained fleas in my pet shop NAID wanted a complete report including point of origin (my dog) wholesale price,(2 dog biscuits) name of purchaser, vet certificate, (rejected the flea dip) and more. Animal Rights extremists have gained control of NAID making it an enemy of the people.


9 posted on 05/05/2007 6:25:38 AM PDT by Louis Foxwell (here come I, gravitas in tow.)
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To: little jeremiah

“Stinks of totalitarianism”

It’s part of the United Nations agenda 21

You can read all about it here: http://www.sovereignty.net


10 posted on 05/05/2007 6:37:51 AM PDT by antisocial (Texas SCV - Deo Vindice)
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To: antisocial

I know somewhat about it; will ping one of my lists so they can be informed. Thanks for the link.


11 posted on 05/05/2007 8:42:07 AM PDT by little jeremiah (Only those who thirst for truth can know truth.)
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To: quietolong

How long will we allow the globalists to run this country?


12 posted on 05/05/2007 7:26:26 PM PDT by ViLaLuz (2 Chronicles 7:14)
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To: ViLaLuz
How long will we allow the globalists to run this country?

Until we elect an American as president. We haven't had and American president since Reagan. The only Americans that are currently running are Hunter, Paul, and Tancredo.

13 posted on 05/06/2007 4:51:10 AM PDT by Colorado Buckeye (It's the culture stupid!)
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To: hiredhand

Ping


14 posted on 05/06/2007 4:54:29 AM PDT by Knitebane (Happily Microsoft free since 1999.)
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To: quietolong; Diana in Wisconsin; Calpernia

PING


15 posted on 05/06/2007 5:06:06 AM PDT by Gabz (I like mine with lettuce and tomato, heinz57 and french-fried potatoes)
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http://breederville.com/auction/forumtopic.php?topic=95&boardid=9
USDA Handbook Advises Animal-ID Staff to Address Farmers “At The Sixth Grade Level”

A USDA “NAIS (National Animal Identification System) How-To Handbook,” most recently revised in February 2007, instructs all State and Federal NAIS staff aggressively to promote the supposedly “voluntary” premises ID program. The goal of the campaign and the How-To Handbook is to “increase . . . premises registration results” and to promote during 2007 not only “continued growth in premises registration,” but also the “adoption of animal ID and tracing.” (Handbook, p. 1; USDA’s NAIS Community Outreach bulletin, Feb. 2007, p. 1.)

The Handbook demands uniformity and strict adherence to four “key messages” that staff are to present to audiences of farmers when promoting NAIS. As described by the USDA, these “key messages” “are organized into topic categories and supported with concise sentences. They are designed for an audience reading at the sixth grade level.” (Handbook, p. 41.)

More at link. Thank you Mary Zanoni


16 posted on 05/06/2007 5:47:43 AM PDT by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: quietolong; Diana in Wisconsin; Gabz

bump

ping


17 posted on 05/06/2007 5:48:10 AM PDT by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: Grinder; Esther Ruth; freepatriot32; prairiebreeze; tiamat; Ladysmith; Alas Babylon!; Malacoda; ...

Roccus, this is in reference to the survey you received.


18 posted on 05/06/2007 5:49:37 AM PDT by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: Gabz; quietolong

Well, this turned out all for the best now, didn’t it? I’ve been b*tchin’ about this situation for a very long time.

Looks like thanks to a (D) we get the usual “law of unintended consequences” along with ANY legislation they ram through, and now we’ve got an (R) calling farmers “selfish” for not lying down and just taking this illegal search and seizure ploy?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; the day they come to my farm and demand to “tag” my laying hens “for the children” is Butchering Day!

There’s plenty of ways to make money on a farm. However, now that they have a foot in the door, how long before they start to legislate the crops I can and cannot grow? Will they allow me to produce a fresh, ripe tomato to sell locally, or will I be thrown in jail for that because they want all of our food coming from foreign sources?

Good Lord, what a mess. I’m usually a very optimistic person, love my country to the n-th degree...but it’s getting tougher with each passing year to put up with this nonsense!


19 posted on 05/06/2007 5:50:51 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (Save The Earth. It's The Only Planet With Chocolate.)
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http://nationalpropertyowners.org

National Property Owners

http://nonais.org

No NAIS up to the minute Blog

http://www.grannywarriors.com
Granny Warriors


20 posted on 05/06/2007 5:54:45 AM PDT by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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