The United States Animal Identification Organization (USAIO) has been formed to assume management of an animal movement database that has been in the works for many months. Rick Stott of Boise, Idaho, a member of NCBA’s Animal ID Commission and a charter member of the USAIO Board of Directors, explains.

Cut #1         :33          Outcue: "...so to speak."

Stott has worked extensively on the Northwest Pilot Project, a seven-state animal ID effort based in the Northwest Region. He is joined on the board by Chairman Charles Miller of Kentucky, and Nebraska bison producer Lance Kuck (pronounced “Cook”).

Cut #2         :33          Outcue: "...and to get it started."

Stott hopes that other cattle industry groups will put aside political differences and join this animal ID effort. He said the Board of Directors is ready to create new seats and welcomes new members.

Cut #3         :24          Outcue: "...part of the board."

He emphasized that the USAIO database is not limited to cattle. Other livestock sectors are welcome as well.

Cut #4         :24          Outcue: "...individual management."

Stott noted that a privately-held database can meet the needs of government when necessary, but is better able to protect confidential information than a government-controlled database.

Cut #5         :18          Outcue: "...level of firewall."

He said that privately-controlled systems have also proven to be more efficient and less costly for producers.

Cut #6         :28          Outcue: "...that are government-controlled."