The
National Animal Identification System states in its new regulation that it is
replacing current Premises Identification Numbers (PIN) with new NAIS compliant
PIN numbers. It is also requiring all sheep and goats to have an Official Animal
Identification Number (AIN) which will be held in an official eartag. These tags
do not work with dairy goats. They do not work on little goats, or on earless
goats. These breeds are not considered to be economically important to the USDA
and are not factured into their decision making. Here is the economic impact of
Nigerian dwarf goat, and Miniature Dairy Goats. If NAIS is enacted as outlined,
here is a sample of how the American small farm family will feel in the pocket
book.
Economic
Impact on Breeders/Farmers Raising Nigerian Dwarf and Miniature Dairy Goats
This
is Terra Pax at 1 Day old. I have size 8 hands, to give you an idea of her size.
This
is the size of the current eartag used by NAIS. It is 2" x 5/8" in sizeDoesn't
work. Tag would stop kid from standing to nurse. Doe would rip it out. Baby would
get an infection, at least incurring expense to treat, if not having to call a
vet.
Current
Income from Goats
as reported to this website
Click
on chart for more info Potential
Income from Goats
if Regulations were Reasonable for Small Producers
Click
on chart for more info
Current
Savings from Having Goats
Click
on chart for more info
Current
Number of Acres
Saved by Keeping Land in Farming
Click
on chart for more info
Do
you have Nigerian dwarf goats? Miniature dairy goats? Then please,send us your
information. We promise, we will not contact you to advertise Ruminations. We
only want to show the impact that our little goats have on our lives and our communities.
Information will be compiled until the end of February. Then it will be available
for those who want a formal print out. We will continue to take information after
that and update the site.
Number
of Small Business
Affected by Farm Disappearances
104