Oklahoma Cattlemens Association Members Perceptions of the National Animal Identification System

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine awareness and perceptions of Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association members in regard to the National Animal Identification System. A self-administered survey tool was developed and distributed at the 2007 Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association convention in Midwest City, OK. Validity was determined by a panel of experts. Quantitative data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. OCA members are large, progressive cow/calf producers who have a high school level education or higher. They have access to the Internet and the majority has jobs outside the cattle industry. Their primary sources of information are the ODAFF, the USDA, and agricultural publications. OCA members perceive the NAIS is necessary for animal health monitoring in the United States. Almost half of the OCA members surveyed have registered their premises. Others indicated they planned to register within one year. Predominantly, the OCA members used ear tags and brands for animal identification purposes. OCA members believe electronic ID should be used for cattle in the NAIS. OCA members indicated they were not being asked for age- and source-verification information but perceived buyers were paying more for age- and source-verified cattle. A negative and low relationship exists between the number of cattle managed and belief in the need for the NAIS. A negative and low relationship was found between the years the producer was in the industry and their belief in the need for the NAIS. A negative and low relationship was found between respondents who collect cattle performance data and the respondents' age.