The Wyoming Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands, and Water Resources Committee recently passed the “Wyoming Opposes Mandatory Electronic ID Devices” bill, which will now proceed to the Senate floor for further consideration, Wyoming News Now reports.
The bill aims to address livestock disease traceability by using electronic ear tags to provide livestock buyers in other states with necessary health information. However, it also stands in opposition to a federal mandate requiring electronic identification (EID) devices, which was introduced in November. Proponents of the state bill argue that the federal mandate would only track around 10% of national livestock and could lead to increased meat prices.
Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, who represents Senate District 3, voiced her support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in protecting the property rights of ranchers and Wyoming residents.
“Whatever affects agriculture eventually makes its way down to the local consumer at the grocery store,” Steinmetz stated.
The bill complements the “Country of Origin Label USA Beef” bill, which ensures that beef sold in local grocery stores is homegrown. With its passage through the committee, the bill now awaits further action on the Senate floor.
