DENVER – In February 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) abandoned its decades old National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and proposed to implement an animal disease traceability system. In August 2011, APHIS published a proposed rule on this new approach and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) submitted comments on Dec. 9, 2011. NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen will take a look at the proposed animal disease traceability program during a live call-in show on Tues., Dec. 13, 2011, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on RFD-TV.

NCBA is supportive of an animal disease traceability program for cattle health purposes and has been an industry leader working with other cattle groups and APHIS to ensure cattlemen’s concerns are addressed and that the new program is workable for industry as well as state and federal animal health officials.

“NCBA appreciates that APHIS walked away from the top-down, intrusive NAIS that would have been costly and unworkable. Animal disease traceability is a complicated issue that will impact beef producers nationwide. We encourage you to call us with your questions and comments,” said Bill Donald, NCBA president and Montana cattleman. “APHIS has worked with industry stakeholders on the proposal but it is imperative for the agency to improve and continue this working relationship. While much progress has been made, NCBA still has concerns with the proposal and will continue working with APHIS to resolve these issues. This special episode of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen will allow us to answer any questions, listen to your concerns and ensure beef producers understand how the animal disease traceability program will impact their operations.”

This special live episode will feature industry experts to explain the proposal and answer questions from viewers. Joining Donald on a panel will be Colin Woodall, NCBA vice president of government affairs; Philip Seng, U.S. Meat Export Federation chief executive officer; Leann Saunders, IMI Global president; and Mark Gustafson, vice president of international sales for JBS Swift and Company.

NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen will look into these issues and provide viewers with a better understanding of how traceability can benefit the industry. Viewers can ask the panel of experts questions by calling 1-888-824-6688 or by emailing at C2C@beef.org.

Viewers are also encouraged to join NCBA by calling 1-888-824-6688 or visiting NCBA’s website.

The program will broadcast again on RFD-TV Wed., Dec. 14, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. EST and Sat., Dec. 17, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. EST. In addition, all episodes of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen are available on the program’s website at www.cattlementocattlemen.org. The program is also on Facebook and can be followed on Twitter.

NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen is an award-winning program providing information on the U.S. beef cattle industry since February 2007. Sponsors of the program include Purina Mills; John Deere; Igenity; Pfizer Animal Health; Merck Animal Health; and Boehringer Ingleheim Vetmedica, Inc.