Tired puppies after play.
If Wal-Mart Can’t Do It…
May 2, 2008 – 5:18 pm
…how can you?
Wal-Mart is one of the most technologically advanced retailers in the world. Their distribution system is second to none. Yet, their RFID initiative has all but failed. Recently, Computerworld ran an article called Some Suppliers Gain From Failed Wal-Mart RFID Edict. (The quotes below are from the article.)
RFID is the most likely technology to implement the NAIS program. Also, it is reported that NAIS needs nearly 100% participation for it to be effective. While I don’t believe that NAIS will be effective for the stated goals, even if there is 100% participation, it is hard to imagine that if Wal-Mart can’t accomplish their mandated goal for 60,000 suppliers, how will the USDA accomplish their goal for all the farms and ranches in our nation.
But Wal-Mart’s mandate didn’t work out so well — or even work out at all — for most of its other suppliers. The retail giant says that many of its 600 top suppliers, which account for three-fourths of the company’s sales volume, use RFID technology today to “some degree.” Most of the rest — some 60,000 strong — are not using it at all.
There are some stunning cost figures in the article.
While analysts bicker over exactly how much it costs to implement RFID technology, there’s a general consensus that a small supplier would have to spend between $15,000 and $20,000 just for the tags, readers and middleware needed to get started. Add the cost of planning, training and handling all the new information compiled by RFID systems, and the price keeps escalating.
Such a significant expense, especially for suppliers that may still be struggling to get bar codes in the right places, is a lot to ask to keep just one customer happy — even one the size of Wal-Mart.
There are also penalties.
Simley noted that untagged pallets that arrive at distribution centers after deadlines will be tagged by Wal-Mart employees. The suppliers will be charged a $2 fee per missing tag, which could quickly become a major expense.
While retail stores and distribution centers are challenging environments for equipment, that is nothing compared to a farm. Also, large companies can afford technology specialists to keep all of this working. Do you need to hire another service for your farm to operate? Yes, the expenses and hassle will be overwhelming.
It is also important to note that Wal-Mart is first implementing at the pallet level. This is where they are having all the problems. NAIS wants to implement at the individual animal level, with some exceptions for larger producers. If Wal-Mart and their suppliers can’t do it at the pallet level, how can livestock producers do it at the individual animal level?
Keep resisting this in every way you can. You can’t afford it and it may just be impossible to comply with anyway.
What We Are Up Against
January 14, 2008 – 1:24 pm
It is no secret that corporations or bureaucracies can outlive the will or strength of an individual person. Why do I bring this up? I do this because the National Animal Identification is being pushed on farmers and ranchers by corporate businesses and a huge government bureaucracy, the USDA. Believe me; they don’t have your best interests in mind.
I read an email last week from Judith McGeary of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance that the USDA Plans to Use Breed Registries to Implement NAIS. I encourage you to read this article and take action if you are a member of any breed registry. There is no inherent requirement for breed registries to use a national animal identification. Once again, this is an unnecessary expense and record-keeping burden for farmers, rancher, and breeders.
People do have a voice when they all act in unison. If it is only a few vocal individuals, then corporations and bureaucracies take no notice, labeling these folks as radicals and fundamentalists. However, when multitudes of people refuse to participate in NAIS, then there is little that corporations or the government can do about it. If the majority of people who use breed registries withhold their cooperation, stop sending any money, or form competing registries, then their voice is heard!
Stand up for your freedoms! Act together and act decisively. Your words as a customer will make a difference, especially when the money dries up for there is one thing that corporations and bureaucracies need to survive. It is your money.
Lamb of God
December 24, 2007 – 7:57 am
We have had a bottle lamb in our home for the past couple of weeks. Her name is Nollie. (She was named after Corrie ten Boom’s sister.) We aren’t quite sure if she will make it. It usually works out that when a neighbor gives you a bottle lamb, it is the smallest out of that lambing. A newborn lamb is a special blessing around Christmas. What joy comes into a home with a little lamb to take care of!
This also reminds me of why we celebrate Christmas. It is a holiday for remembering Christ Jesus’ birth.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. – John 1:29 (KJV)
God bless you this Christmas.
