Age/Source Verification Update Joi D. Saville Extension Associate, Beef

What is a Process Verified Program? Voluntary User Fee service of AMS Verifies Specific Practices To potentially increase the value of their product Accomplished through third-party independent audits to verify documentation Came about from: Export Market Consumers

The Process Verified Program (PVP) Uses the International Organizational Standardization’ (ISO) 9000 series Provides standard for evaluating documentation Ensure consistent auditing practices Promote international recognition of audit results Once verified – Approved to market product

Types of Processes: Age Verification Source Verification Feeding Practices Other Raising/Processing Claims

Other Programs: Yes Quality System Assessment Program (QSA) Three claims Non Hormone Treated Cattle Program (NHTC) Pork for the European Union Program (PFEU) Export Verification (EV) Program Tyson QSA

Tyson QSA: Available through approved cattle feeders to Tyson Tri County Steer Carcass Futurity Only available to those producers who ship cattle through VA Retained Ownership Program (ROP) Producer verified program $25 - $35 per head premium

Age/Source Verification PVP’s: Integrated Traceability Solutions, LLC (ITS) Through Southeastern Livestock Network IMI Global AgInfoLink Angus Source Many others Through Packers, Animal Health Companies, Individual Breed Groups

ITS PVP: Venture of SLN, KBN PVP designed for SE cow-calf producers Modeled after IMI Global PVP program Key components: Enhanced enrollment process (forms, phone audit) Verification of groups of cattle (calving seasons) Verification data supplied at tag order Centralized tag distribution/allocation

ITS PVP: Began first part of September 2009 Through April 30th 13 States 2,750 approved groups of cattle Approximately 120,000 head of cattle From approximately 2,500 producers

ITS Process Complete the KIT Submit the KIT with adequate calving records. Records have to meet or exceed number of calves needing verified. Phone auditor will call producer. Recommendation to ITS.

Individual Records 100% of the records for the calves you wish to verify OR 1st and last pages of your calving book/calendar plus inventory support Cow inventory list Weigh bill from previous year’s sale Receipts from vaccines, dewormer, or vet bill from current year AI Records

Group Birthdate Records Copy of records to show the 1st and last calf born for that season plus inventory support Cow inventory list Weigh bill from previous year’s sale Receipts from vaccines, dewormer, or vet bill from current year AI Records Records have to be “Working” Records

VA Age and Source Verified Cattle Since August 1, 2009 15,042 Head 12,196 sold in 2010 377 producers 401 groups of cattle

Is Age/Source Verification Worth the Effort? We may be laying the groundwork for the future. During 2009 VA has sold 15-20 loads that ASV was the determining factor in price Since August, with almost every load that went West of Ohio, the buyers wanted the certificate Probably biggest advantage for fall born calves If the switch is ever turned on in PA, ASV will definitely pay.

Any Questions?