AB339VTH7

[grassfarmer]

Lots of times LIS didn't do their job - we have bought many dispersal cows that bore none of the brands listed on the bill of sale. Seems to be a problem only with the dispersals where there are a lot to read.

I never have and never will brand cattle as I consider it an animal welfare issue.

[Horse]

LIS is a joke I have had many animals held because of brands and when you get down to it most were read wrong the first time and by the same inspectors, I will admit some people should never be handed a branding iron because god himself couldnt read some of the messes. As for putting your own brand on sometimes your location is taken but some will just brand right over making a biger mess.

[Happytrails]

So you guys don't like branding. I get it. Fortunately or unfortunately LIS is the only system in we have in place to track the movement of cattle. Luckily they not only look for brands but also count and describe cattle. So they are very usefull in a few ways. Unlike ID tags. Go Scott Schiffner.

[smcgrath76]

I have found LIS very good to work with in both AB and SK. We typically do not brand calves, but always brand retained yearlings and cows. LIS has saved us a few wrecks over the years. I have had one cheque held on me for some bought cows that were shipped (not rebranded) several years ago. I sent a copy of the receipt and got paid right away. Lesson learned. I keep a copy of all my Bills of Sale in a seperate folder until the animals have exited my cowherd. For us brands are applied due to terrain, nearby cows and accessibility issues.
I think where we are missing the boat is not including LIS and other provincial inspection staff in the EID traceability process. Generally speaking they know cattle, they know cattle producers, they can count, and they are concerned with doing a good job. I think working with them on traceability needs is a good fit. I also appreciate that there are issues of turf protection, mandate, provincial differences and traditionalism.
Portability and application of the technology does become an issue when you get into different yard sites, etc. doing inspections. Not everyone is set up to handle cattle through a tag reader.

[Happytrails]

Good comments Sean and from what I've read the other Shawn who is the new GM of LIS is thinking along those lines. My concern is that it would be easy to lose more than we gain by trying to ride 2 horses at once.