Editor:

Thank you for a wonderful article! (“The mark of the beast: Say no to fed’s animal ID system,” by Angela Black).

Many very small farmers do not realize this program will apply to them, and those that do are just now realizing how many species of animal are covered by it. They will also bear the brunt of the cost, due to having to register every animal, vs. factory farms using unit numbers for entire herds, as you mentioned.

Among consumers, it must be remembered that higher costs to the farmer also translates to higher prices at the store, as well as the lack of choices available for purchase.

Vegetarians should also take note, as the fertilizer used in organic vegetable, grain and pulse farming comes from these small producers – and will also cost more – raising prices across the board when it comes to food.

The taxpayer needs to be informed that he will foot the bill for the extra government employees, the administration costs and the implementation/enforcement of this program – the USDA has stated from the beginning tha t they will not be funding it.

Finally, $10 per registration rewards for 4H members registering not only their parents’ farm, but also for talking neighbors into it – and letting them do all the work they do but not letting them show at a county or state fair if the premise where the animal is kept is not registered – is bribery and extortion, not marketing.

What are these kids going to do if they board their animals at a farm where the owner doesn’t want to register? According to several officials, in several states, the paraphrased answer is “That’s too bad.”

Sue Diederich

Palatine, Ill.