"Hi, I'm from the government and I'm here to help you." This is not what a rancher 130 miles north of me wanted to hear two weeks ago. On June 17, two of his cows tested positive for brucellosis. This is a disease that causes abortion in cattle, elk and bison. To keep Wyoming's brucellosis-free status, in addition to the two positive reactors, the ranchers entire cattle herd has to be depopulated. The neighboring ranches to any of his cattle must also be bled and tested to prove their herds are free of brucellosis. Not an easy task considering that in June the cattle were turned out onto summer pastures that are measured in size by the section not just an acre. If Wyoming does lose it's brucellosis-free classification, all cattle that have reached puberty and are reproductively intact, have to be tested and have a negative result for any travel out of state.

State law requires us to vaccinate for this disease, but it still doesn't guarantee 100% resistance to it. Federal and state officials have worked decades to control the spread of this disease within the Greater Yellowstone National Park area.

So when it comes to animal I.D., I am willing to implement it if it will decrease animal disease and trace back to the source. But in this case the source is elk, owned by the state and living in the national forests owned by the government which would not be included in any animal I.D. system. So I advocate that we vaccinate and I.D. the elk and bison owned by the government-probably not a feasible idea, but a great show to watch!

When it comes to implementing a national I.D. system, it is beneficial as a producer, to be involved in the rule-making process so that the final rule works for us and not as a hindrance. The results should be solutions rather than just bureaucratic regulations. This would ensure a product for the consumer that is the safest possible and boosts consumer confidence.