Pigeon River & Beyond - Back Country Horsemen, Michigan

Economic Impact of NAIS for Horse Owners

"...And now we have NAIS looming on the not too distant horizon!  But wait, you say, ?I thought NAIS was now voluntary!?  Remember the key phrase ?voluntary at the Federal level.?  Three states so far have made all or part of NAIS mandatory.  Tremendous pressure in terms of grant monies is being placed on State Departments of Agriculture by the USDA.  In addition, if you read the USDA?s most recent official document, the September 2008, A Business Plan To Advance Animal Disease Traceability, you will discover that while they claim NAIS is ?voluntary,? the handwriting is on the wall.  One way or another, they will push NAIS through...."  Read more.

If you don't want the expense of registering your property and horses and getting permission everytime you want to show or trail ride your horse, then you need to be calling or emailing your politicians before March 11.

Senators of the 111th Congress

Write Your Representative!

Congressional Hearing on NAIS

*WHEN: *Wednesday, March 11

*WHERE: *Washington, DC

The U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry will hold a hearing on NAIS on March 11. Bills to put NAIS into law, HR875 and companion Senate S814, are being pushed through Congress, as well as an Appropriations Bill with funding for NAIS. This hearing is critical to blocking mandatory NAIS.*ACTION: Please call and fax all members of the subcommittee (below).

**1. When you call, ask to speak to the legislative aide for agriculture. Form a positive relationship with the aide. Become his or her source of knowledge for NAIS. Be RESPECTFUL and POLITE. Remember, who would the aide rather speak with, someone who is courteous or someone angry and resentful?

**2. Please send this to everyone you know, ESPECIALLY to people in the states with members on the subcommittee. Members need to hear from their constituents – the people who vote them into office.

**If you are in one of these states, please arrange a meeting with the district representative of the Congressman. That makes a big difference. We need to be real people to the legislators, so that when they think “farm” or “food” they think of us, not Monsanto, Cargill, Tyson, etc…

(TY J.S. - Nan)

The federal government has gotten way too big, and with BO in office, it will expand its reach and scope into every home.  This is one more threat we must resist.  There are so many!

Thanks for the heads-up.

OKay Folks... time to take action. Please be sure to call your reps and senators in Washington. Best to ask for the Rep/Senator's Agricultural Aide and talk to that person.  There are links in the first post about how to contact your Congressional Senators and Representatives. 

This activity is close to horse-owner's hearts - but outside the scope of what BCH affiliates in Michigan are pursuing.  MEP (Michigan Equine Partnership) would be a good place for more info.

Dick is on his way to Washington for a Farm Bureau Legislative conference as I type this.  He will be sitting in on this NAIS hearing and will be talking with our congressmen and senators regarding this legislation.  Also will be talking about the Equine Heritage Act  and our right to ride that will be introduced in the coming months we hope!

I sent our congressmen and senators emails  on this matter also.  I hope that it helps.