"We're talking about a program that would be very costly and very intrusive," Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance Director Judith McGeary said. "You're talking about anyone who owns, you know, a couple of backyard chickens having to report their movements to the government."
The USDA said not every farm animal would be tracked, but rather the purpose of the National Animal Identification System program is to keep up with animals in the food supply chain.
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NAIS
New's 8's Bonnie Gonzalez tells us why farmers and ranchers have concerns about the NAIS program.
 
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"To help us provide trace ability information in the need of a disease outbreak, investigation or surveillance effort," NAIS Senior Staff Veterinarian Dr. David Morris said.
Morris said the program currently operates on a volunteer basis.
Those opposed to the NAIS program like Gretchen Boyett, of Buda, fear the program could become mandatory and have a detrimental economic impact especially on small producers.
"Everyone would be affected eventually," Boyett said. "I mean if you want to buy organic products at the grocery store, you're going to be affected, because small farmers are going to end up being overtaxed and overworked to accommodate a program that doesn't solve the problem."
Joe Ross from Sonora is a retired veterinarian who believes a better solution lies in compromise.
