
SmallHolders Alliance (SHA) started 6 years ago, with the onset of the USDA Scrapie Eradication Program. It was to unite small farmers in MA, so we could speak as a unit and not fight our battles alone. After a brief burst of action, SHA became idle. However, with the advent of the USDA's National Animal Identification System, I brought it back to life. SHA will continue to serve as a loosely based grassroots communication system between New England's small livestock farmers, but we will also use this site to communicate activities on the struggle against NAIS.
I am the Massachusetts State Coordinator for Liberty Ark Coalition, and am willing to speak to any group that wants to learn more about this program. If you'd like more information about Liberty Ark, or NAIS, check out the links on this page.
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| 5/15/08 Notice of Intent to Sue filed against USDA & MI Dept. of Ag |
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2/17/08 - NE and AZ have now both signed bills into
law that would ban the use of mandatory NAIS in their states. It's
a great beginning for all those who oppose NAIS.
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| 10/23/07 - The Senate Agriculture Commitee has released its rough language for the Farm Bill, and it includes NAIS. The Committee will discuss the bill this week. Act Now. |
| 10/21/07 - No Action Taken on MA SB 475 yet. Contact your State Senator and express your support for 475, which stops NAIS in all its forms, including coersion such as has been done in NC and CO. |
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Looking to Connect with
other Small Holders? Join our Discussion
email list. (This is a private list,
not Yahoo.) Need hay? Just want to vent? Want some advice? Have some animals for sale? Join SHA, no expense. |
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1/1007 - Senator Brewer sponsors
Anti-NAIS Bill Based on the Liberty Ark Coalition's "Livestock Farms Freedom Act" this bill is modified for Massachusetts. If it passes in its current form it will stop any mandatory NAIS program in MA, from Premises to Tagging to Tracking. Complete wording for the proposed bill can be found here. For more information on citizen action in MA, click here. To see who has signed to support anti-NAIS legislation in MA, click here. |
**A lot is happening around the nation regarding NAIS. I've kept only the most pertinent information on this page, but the original SHA index page is accessible. Just click here.
11/28 - MDAR has a new Commissioner, Mr. Douglas W. Peterson. SHA and LAC have sent a letter to Commissioner Peterson regarding the recent "Opt Out,"instructions sent by MDAR. If you'd like to see the letter, please click here. We encourage you to contact the Commissioner with your own views, as well as your State Senators and Representatives.