NM ranchers opposed to national animal ID system

More than 100 ranchers attending a meeting in Laguna Pueblo told U.S. Department of Agriculture representatives on Tuesday that they're opposed to a new livestock identification system. The USDA's National Animal Identification System has been billed as a way for producers and livestock officials to respond quickly to animal disease. Under the program, animals will carry devices or tags with a unique number for life. New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association executive director Caren Cowan says many ranchers feel the system would increase costs and invade their privacy. Alisa Ogden, the association's president, says switching from the state's 120-year-old branding system would be like redoing something that already works. AP