OK. WHILE ON THE TOPIC OF CANADA - I learned that Canada has been increasingly successful with the rollout of radio frequency identification (RFID) for its beef cattle. This has been possible throught the support of the Canadian Cattle Indentification Agency(http://www.canadaid.com). CCIA is a non-profit organization supported by government, producers and trade associations.

The program was established in 2001 and has 97% participation. The MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION is WHO PAYS? According to a recent visit with Fred Gorrell from the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C., the project is self funded with producers paying 25 cents per ear tag. I later learned that not ALL tags are RFID enabled. Bar coded tags are allowed until December 31, 2007.

Where does that leave the U.S.? We have a whole heck of a lot more beef to track and trace. I know both Michigan and Wisconsin have ambitious programs for beef cattle. Some involving financial incentives. What do you think? What is the best way for the US to more quickly adopt such a technology?

If you ask me, RFID presents INCREDIBLE opportunity. However, early adoption is easier to justify if RFID is viewed as a way to being more effecient rather than just an additional cost of doing business.