Sara Snider
The Source
A lot to be thankful for, including a new tag option.
In spite of the sagging economy and other daily challenges, there are still plenty of things for which to be thankful. With the holidays right around the corner I hope everyone is taking time to think of life's many blessings.
God, family and friends are always at the top of my list each Thanksgiving when we go around the table. This year, probably more than ever, I am extremely thankful for my job. Not only do I have a steady income, which helps support my family, but I also get to do something I love every day.
Our staff enjoys working with the progressive cattlemen who are enrolling in AngusSource®. Since inception the program has continued to grow and add value to our customers' calves.
In fiscal year 2009, AngusSource grew by 8.5%. According to data from Superior Livestock Auction, AngusSource calves that sold June through September 2009 earned an average $2.65 more per hundredweight (cwt.) than nonverified calves, and an additional $1.08 more per cwt. than other age- and source-verified calves sold through Superior Livestock Auction's video sales.
Fiscal year 2010 is off to a good start. October charted a 17.6% increase in enrollments when compared to October 2009. The value of age-verified calves has remained steady, with some packers guaranteeing premiums to be at least $35 per head until May 2010.
Change is in the air
Along with the colder weather and colorful leaves, fall has brought several changes to the AngusSource department.
Beginning Nov. 16, 2009, Destron Fearing™ became the manufacturer of the AngusSource and Gateway program tags. With this new partnership we are confident that the high-quality ear tags and excellent service our customers are accustomed to receiving will continue. In addition, there are several new things we can offer our customers.
New tag option. The AngusSource Process Verified Program (PVP) official program-compliant tag (PCT) has always been a visual tag. Producers were required to purchase the visual tag in order for their calves to be enrolled in AngusSource or Gateway. An RFID-matched pair was the only option available for producers wishing to take advantage of the efficiencies of RFID and access those markets that require it. The matched-pair came with a visual tag (official PCT) and an RFID tag.
Now, the visual tag and RFID tag are both official PCTs for AngusSource and Gateway. Producers may purchase one or the other, or both, of these tags when they enroll their calves.
The new RFID-only tag option meets U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements by carrying a 15-digit unique animal number. It is also printed with the AngusSource or Gateway Lot ID. This Lot ID is linked to the animal's Verification Certificate, which documents the source, age and genetics (genetics is only documented for calves enrolled in AngusSource).
AngusSource RFID tags are available for $2.25 each and Gateway RFID tags are $3 each.
Faster shipping. Destron Fearing will manufacture and ship each order within three days of receiving it. By February, tags will be manufactured and shipped the same day the order is received. This means that producers should receive their tags in two to four business days. As always, standard shipping will be paid for by the AngusSource department.
Custom printing on the back of the tag. For years we have received requests from producers wishing to print their logo, brand or contact information on the back of their tags. We are now able to offer this to producers for a low $10 one-time set-up fee and 50¢ per tag. It is an incredible value. Producers can have their calves source-, age- and genetically-verified and get an ear tag that is custom-printed front and back for as little as $1.50 per head. This custom option is also available to producers enrolling in Gateway.
Lower cost for Gateway. The good news doesn't stop there. We have lowered the cost of the visual Gateway tag. Producers enrolling calves in Gateway can now purchase visual tags for $2 per head. There has been a lot of interest in Gateway since it was launched in July 2009. This new pricing structure will make the program more cost-effective for those producers looking to source- and age-verify their calves.
We are excited about how these changes will positively affect the AngusSource and Gateway programs. We know our producers will appreciate the enhanced service and new options available to them.
In closing
While there are a lot of changes taking place in the AngusSource department, one thing remains the same — our dedication to providing economical verification options and outstanding customer service. We are thankful to have your business and the opportunity to assist with the marketing of your calves.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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