Montana study

[HAY MAKER]

September 16, 2005
Montana study shows strengths, weaknesses of ID technology

The Montana Beef Network, based at Montana State University, recently conducted three studies of current livestock ID technology. One of the studies involved a Montana market, and 200 calves born in the state. Here’s how it worked, and this is what they found:

The calves were divided into four groups, then tagged --- three groups at the owner’s ranch, and one at the market in Ramsey, Mont. The tags were the 15-digit radio frequency ID (RFID) electronic tag.

Research Andy Kellom said “our hypothesis” was that a market, where hundreds of calves are sold, “would be one of the hardest places to follow through” with tracking. Two types of tag scanners were used; one was stationary and built in the alley where the cattle would pass by; the other was a handheld scanner.

The researchers found that metal fences at the market interfered with the stationary alley scanners, and as a result, it read only 60 percent of the tags.

The handheld scanner read every ear tag – but calves had to be slowed down as they came through the alley. “We found out it wasn’t as easy as we thought,” Kellom said.

[Hanta Yo]

Just like everything else, I guess some bugs need to be worked out

[Oldtimer]

It will be interesting to see what this will end up "costing" the industry...Besides the equipment ( computers, readers, RFID tags or devices, salebarn and corral remodeling, etc. etc.), the manpower ( hired inspectors) to do the inspections and transfer the data, but like this article points out the additional cost in time....

Has anyone seen any projected total costs which include not only setting up the system and infrastructure- but the actual day to day running cost?
because I'm sure just like brand inspections are today- that cost will be put back on the producer.....

[Soapweed]

You are right, OT, there will be a "cost" to the cow/calf operators if mandatory RFID comes about. I am against it. I am also against mandatory COOL for the same reason. COOL is just another cost to cow/calf producers where no benefits will be derived. If all USA beef has to have that label, it will mean nothing. It is just commodity beef. If mandatory RFID happens, it will be because of mandatory COOL. COOL is of no value without traceback. We will have cut off our nose to spite our face. Sometimes it's best if we don't get what we wish for. COOL is not a blessing in disguise. It is a boondoggle in disguise.

The value added cattle programs like South Dakota Premium Beef do have benefits. Hoops are jumped through by the producers, and the consumers know exactly what they are buying. They are willing to pay a premium. Consumers are not willing to pay a premium for simply getting USA beef. Some of those old Okie cattle don't taste all that great even though they were born, raised, fed and processed in the USA. Consumers are sure not willing to pay a premium to get to eat it.

[Oldtimer]

[Tam]

[Oldtimer]

[Manitoba_Rancher]

Sure they do OT, they know that it comes from Canada if its tender and tasty.

[Oldtimer]