The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSA) is circulating a petition to oppose a mandatory national animal ID program.

SDSA says it collected more than 300 signatures during the recent Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, the Rapid City Journal reports, and members are taking petitions to bull sales and other events. Several in-state auction markets also are helping gather signatures.

SDSA and its national affiliate, R-CALF, say brand-inspection already serves as an animal-tracing system. SDSA plans to present the petitions to USDA and elected officials.

Meanwhile, the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association and its national affiliate, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, generally support a mandatory animal ID system. -- Joe Roybal