Sen. Mike Rounds is introducing legislation that would block a proposed mandate requiring electronic RFID tags to be used on cattle and bison.
In early 2023, the USDA released a proposal that would require all cattle and bison to have a visual and electronically readable tag. The tag records would also be entered into a tribal, state or federal database to allow governments to access the information.
USDA officials say it would allow for more accurate tracking of livestock as they move between state lines.
Rounds said the rule is federal government overreach. Other opponents argue the RFID system is expensive.
"It's nonsensical for the Secretary of Agriculture to complain that America is losing too many farmers and ranchers while simultaneously forcing America's farmers and ranchers to purchase and use the most expensive form of animal identification available today," said Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA.
The bill opposing the mandate is also endorsed by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.
