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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Is Age/Source Verification Worth the Effort?
We may be laying the groundwork for the future.
During 2009 VA has sold 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.

15. Any Questions?