SASKATOON – It’s time for governments to pay animal traceability costs, says the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association.
Members attending the organization’s recent semi-annual meeting said producers have paid millions of dollars for the first two portions of traceability: individual animal identification and premises identification.
They want governments to pony up for the third portion of animal movement.
“We’ve had 10 years of skin in the game,” said Pat Hayes of Val Marie. “Now it’s time for them to put their share in it.”
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The Saskatchewan government has stood alone and said traceability should be voluntary, but a mandatory national traceability program is to be implemented in 2011.
The exact cost of the animal movement phase has not yet been determined.
Mark Elford of McCord, represents the SSGA at the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, said costs should be identified by mid-March.
He also said government should bear the costs outside of tagging.
Association members passed a resolution to lobby the federal and provincial governments to fully fund animal movement.
They are also willing to work with governments to fund the fight against leafy spurge.
Lynn Grant of Val Marie said producers have some responsibility to keep an eye out for and take action against the invasive weed.
Another resolution called on the provincial government to allow custom agricultural operators to use coloured diesel in their equipment.
Producers said forcing custom operators to use clear diesel puts Saskatchewan customers at a competitive disadvantage.
