Wisconsin is offering a voluntary animal ID cost-sharing program on a first-come, first-serve basis to in-state producers with a premises registration number. The program consists of sign-up, approval and confirmation of participation followed by tag purchase and application, reports Wisconsin Ag Connection. Reimbursement is upon completion of these steps.

Meanwhile, USDA has released official Animal Identification Numbers (AIN) as part of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The Wisconsin Department of Ag Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium (WLIC) are initiating the voluntary animal ID program using DATCP-selected AIN tags. All USDA-approved devices will be accepted as official ID in Wisconsin. Cost sharing, however, will be for DATCP-selected AIN Radio Frequency ID tags only and doesn't cover application of tags, the report says.

For background on how to purchase animal ID tags or devices, visit: http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/animal_id/purchase_tags.shtml. Learn more about NAIS at: www.usda.gov/nais.
-- Joe Roybal