Register Your Premises: It’s Never Been Easier

No matter what your position is on a full animal identification system in the United States, simple premises registration has never been easier. Premises registration means having basic, non-private information voluntarily available in case of an animal disease outbreak.

“Everyone should want to register their premises to protect their operation and community in the event of an emergency,” explains Mike John, cattleman from Huntsville, Mo., and NCBA president. “This is basic information, like your phone number and address, which means involved parties could be contacted immediately, making for faster disease response and isolation.”

USDA is encouraging livestock owners to sign up through state associations or via their online state-specific information at www.usda.gov/nais. Just look to the right in the “Contact Your State” area.

Choosing to register your premises does not enroll you in the other components of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), like animal identification and tracking. NCBA supports a producer-led, market-driven animal identification system. The USDA now says it has no plans to make participation in premises registration — or any other component of the NAIS — mandatory.