BEEF magazine has posted a new online reader poll at www.beefmagazine.com. You’ll find it in the center column under “BEEF Poll.” This week’s question is:

USDA is considering dropping the hot-iron brand as an official animal ID method for traceback purposes. Is this a:

• Good idea
• Bad idea
• Don’t know
• Don’t care

For more on this topic, read USDA Brand Decision Burns Ranchers.

Last week’s online poll question was: Can the U.S. livestock industry self regulate when it comes to animal treatment? At 86%, respondents overwhelmingly voted in support of the industry’s ability to police itself.

However, a majority of those believe the industry could do more, with BQA certification for every producer being a start. Here are the results:

Can the U.S. livestock industry self regulate when it comes to animal treatment?

• Yes, the few sensational cases of abuse are very isolated incidents that no system would catch: 40%

• Yes, but the industry could do more. BQA certification for every producer is a start: 46%

• No, some third-party oversight is needed: 11%

• Don’t know: 1%