LANSING— Some Mid-Michigan Amish farmers are having problems maintaining their lifestyle in a modern market overflowing with technology - including a state measure making the identification of cattle with electronic tags mandatory.

The Mandatory Cattle Identification Program provides animal tracking and disease control by fitting animals leaving the farm or changing ownership with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.

“Some Amish residents do not want to comply with the measure because it is against their religion,” Clare Livestock Auction office manager Coralie VanDrie said.

Opposition has come also from area residents who argue that the government has too much control over their cattle.

“They simply don’t go for modern things,” said the Rev. William Lindholm of the National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom in Livonia, “They don’t use smoke detectors, electricity, watch television or do this sort of thing. People don’t understand it - but it’s how they are.”

He said that Amish farmers are seeking religious exemptions from the RFID requirement.

Exemptions already exist for horse-and-buggy drivers who don’t want to put an orange warning triangle on their vehicle. A black-and-white stripe or a lantern is used on the rear instead.

However, Michigan Farm Bureau livestock and dairy specialist Ernie Birchmeier said there are no exemptions for tagging and everyone needs to follow the rules.

He said that the tags allow livestock to be traced quickly and efficiently in the event of an animal disease outbreak.

“In areas of the state where there is TB - if you’re stopped and not tagged you can receive a citation,” Bovine TB Eradication Program Coordinator Bridget Patrick said.

She said that problems with individuals being forced to tag their own animals is a “moot point” because a service has been made available to those who for various reasons can’t do it themselves.

But there is a charge that varies by market in addition to the $2 price of each tag. It is discouraged, Patrick said, because it interrupts the flow of commerce.

The state Agriculture Department implemented the requirement as a food safety measure on March 1.

Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant, who supports the requirement, said, “We need to make sure of the safety of the food chain and that it won’t harm the health and well-being of our citizens.”

Lindholm said often laws are passed to aid larger society without considering the effect on minority groups.

“I think the Amish would be forced to move if they can’t make a living,” he said.