WLSB continues traceability discussions

During their Aug. 16 meeting, the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) discussed continuing updates to computerization, as well as develops made in a traceability strategy.
    “Computerization is the highest priority for the agency as a whole, and there is much interest from the Governor’s office as well,” commented WLSB Director Leanne Correll. “We are making minor steps.”
    Recently, the WLSB and the Wyoming State Archives, with help from the Department of Enterprise Technology Systems (ETS), started their search for a project manager to computerize both agencies. In interviewing for a project manager, Correll remarked that the committee will continue their search.
    “We went back to the drawing board,” she said. “ETS is working closely with us to get our request for proposal refined.”
    “We are moving forward, which is good news,” she said.
    At the same time computerization continues to be an issue, a traceability program for Wyoming remains in the spotlight of the animal health realm. A traceability meeting was held in Casper at the end of July, and industry groups were given the opportunity to provide additional input.
    “We still have not seen a federal rule published, and I don’t know exactly when we might,” commented Wyoming State Veterinarian Jim Logan. “We hear it will be this summer, but it may not come until next spring.”
    “I would remind you that regardless of what federal rule is published and what the federal requirements for interstate livestock movement are, we need to continue to have identification requirements on animals imported into the state,” added Logan.
    He also noted that other states are imposing their own requirements for importing Wyoming animals.
    Wyoming Stock Growers Executive Vice President Jim Magagna said of a traceability program, “We are a little frustrated with the approach that we need to wait for someone to tell us what we need. We see value is being proactive on a totally voluntary basis.”
    Logan echoed Magagna’s comments.
    Board member Donna Baldwin-Hunt said, “People are in favor of doing a voluntary tag system, and we would work with other states to come up with agreements.”
    “There were some positive things and some actual steps toward helping producers comply with regulations,” Baldwin-Hunt said. “It was a good meeting, and I’m excited to continue working with producers in that direction.”
    The WLSB also discussed several pieces of legislation, which will move forward to the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee.
    Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.