RFID is on the way

[rusty1]

ValueChainFX posted Nov 21, 2003 20:41
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The packers like the electronic ID for sure, but retention is the main issue for us all. The implant tag would be the best option, but so far CCIA makes all those calls (with input from you I'm told) Either way the Canadian system is not bad and will move forward and become better. I am more concerned about how the tags are being distributed at the moment. Tag retention on the dingle dangle tags will never reach the target CCIA wants on many farms. I do remember the many tags we used to have but keep in mind the big packers have much more pull than you and I!!

[rusty1]

ValuechainFX - You indicated that you are more worried about distribution? Plese expand. I'm more worried about what the cost is going to be when the CCIA is allowed to choose 1 or 2 manufacturers into the market place. I think suppliers won't have any problem putting together distribution networks. Another huge concern is that the CFIA/CCIA allows private enterprise the opportunity to carry production data along the life of the calf.

[cowman]

The dangle tags don't stay in forever. Out of 96 calves we lost three over the summer. No big deal just slap in a new one before you sell, right? About $1.50 a tag X 3 = $4.50. Of course it takes a little rodeo to cut out those three calves and the whole works get a little more shrink! Now when they go electronic what will the tags cost? Say $5?
By the time a cow is 12 years old very few of them will still have their original tags so add another $5. Still not a big deal but it is a pain. No matter how you look at it, it is going to cost you some money. Say on 100 calves about $500 dollars a year or more. Which is okay I guess, but I sure wish I didn't have to pick up the whole bill for food safety? I mean after all I'm doing all the labor plus paying for the tag so the feeders, packers, and grocery stores can assure the consumer the product is safe. You would think maybe someone else could chip in a few bucks?

[grassfarmer]

I don't think retention of the button type tag being considered for the RFID is an issue - they should be better than 99% retained if applied properly. We moved to a button tag (non RFID) and a dangle tag in the other ear in the UK when double tagging became law. Place them well into the ear and you will not lose them.

[cowman]

Grassfarmer: Yea I know. I try to tell my son to put that tag deep in the ear but what can you do? These damned kids...don't listen to the old man!

[ValueChainFX]

You did answer your question "Another huge concern is that the CFIA/CCIA allows private enterprise the opportunity to carry production data along the life of the calf. "

The manufacturers of these tags have a good distribution network in place, the CCIA and CFIA rules (As I understand them) allow them to give a group the right to distribute tags exclusively for that sector, RE the bison, dairy etc. They are talking about species-specific tags (another night mare) especially for the manufacturer. If any of these groups want to collect data for their members or others that choose to take part they can run a separate program but not something linked to the data collection of the CCIA! This independent data collection system should be neutral and remain independent not recognizing groups as the sole sector authority!

RFID tags will eventually come in full scale that is the technology seen for the future. When they do come in the price will be comparative (or so I'm told! There are hundreds of manufacturers that make such tags today so I hardly think one or two companies will monopolize this move.

Either way! I believe we should keep the CCIA and CFIA (the part linked to trace back) totally out of the politics and keep the program pure! This means no additional fees should be charged for these tags by any group!