HAGEMAN SPEAKS AT LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS FREEDOM RALLY

Rapid City, SD – Today, Congresswoman Hageman spoke to livestock producers from South Dakota, Wyoming and the region to discuss the truth behind mandatory electronic identification (EID) eartags.

During her remarks she stated: “...in their relentless drive to put pressure on independent cattle and bison producers, the USDA is again attempting to implement an EID requirement that will have a tremendous impact on livestock operations. Producers who do not comply will lose their access to interstate markets, thereby putting cattle and bison ranchers in places like Wyoming and South Dakota in grave peril of going broke.”

“It is obvious that, while the implementation of this rule would provide an outsized benefit to large corporations, it would provide nothing but a burden to smaller producers. The consolidation of power in the hands of a few, at the expense of small and independent farmers and ranchers is a threat to our entire food supply. This rule reveals a tremendous level of cynicism towards American cattle and bison ranchers. Our livestock producers have implemented the world’s most innovative and advanced practices in relation to animal welfare and precision herd health management, while producing high quality and affordable food.”

She concluded by encouraging attendees to engage their federal delegation on the issue, “It is critical that each and every one of you call your Congressman and Senators, and tell them to cosponsor Rep. Hageman’s H.J.Res 167 and Senator Lummis’ S.J.Res 98 – urgent action is needed before this rule goes into effect November 5th. We are in a David versus Goliath situation here where the voices of millions of grassroots ranchers are being drowned out by D.C. special interests representing corporate agriculture. It is time for Congress to listen to the People, and that starts with your calls and advocacy.”

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Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director