Sara Snider
The Source
Ready to verify? Pick your program.
There are currently more than 20 age- and source-verification (ASV) programs available to cattle producers. How do you choose the program that is best for you? While enrollment in any of these programs will make your calves eligible to supply the Japan export market and receive any premiums being offered in the marketplace, there are differences in each program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has guidelines that must be met by each process-verified program (PVP) operating an age- and source-verification program. However, the way each company meets those guidelines and program requirements is different.
For instance, it is required that companies must have documented procedures, they must provide training for their producers, they must require certain records, and they must document specific information relative to source and age. However, the steps a producer must take to complete enrollment vary from program to program.
Cost, customer service and marketing support seem to be the biggest differences between programs. This is where AngusSource® and Gateway excel.
Cost
The $50 enrollment fee for AngusSource and Gateway is among the lowest in the industry. This fee covers the cost of training, calf enrollment and the certificate. It also includes access to marketing via the online listing site once calves are enrolled. If an on-site review is required for your enrollment, that too is covered by the $50 enrollment fee if you are enrolling in AngusSource. If enrolling in Gateway the on-site charge is $150 plus any applicable travel costs.
Producers have several options for program-compliant tags (PCTs) through AngusSource and Gateway. Whether you make that decision based on cost, or technology, there is a tag to meet your needs. Both programs offer traditionally numbered tags as well as "840" tags. PCT options include visual, e. Tag and ChoiceSet (visual and e. Tag).
Costs of the PCTs are as follows: AngusSource: visual ($1), e. Tag ($2.25) and ChoiceSet ($3.25). Gateway: visual ($2), e. Tag ($3) and ChoiceSet ($5). Tags may be custom-printed with management numbers for no additional charge. If producers would like to add contact information or a logo to the back of the tag, there is a $10 set-up fee and a $0.50-per-tag charge. UPS ground delivery of tags is provided free of charge, and all tags are manufactured in three business days.
Customer service
Understanding all of the ins and outs of a verification program can be a little daunting, especially for first-time participants. The staff of the American Angus Association is there to help every step of the way. Producers enrolling in AngusSource and Gateway receive one-on-one attention. Producers are taken through the training step by step to make sure they understand how the program works and what is required of them. Information is carefully documented during the enrollment process to ensure that calves are accurately represented.
The genetic-verification offered through AngusSource is unique. Only AngusSource documents that your calves are sired by registered, properly transferred Angus bulls. If you are using AI, leasing bulls or calving out females you purchased bred, there are additional records that are required. Our staff will provide template forms and assist you in obtaining the proper documentation.
Marketing support
With many programs once the tags are received, your involvement with the program is over. For AngusSource and Gateway, that is when the programs go to work.
The online listing site can help promote your calves whether you are selling direct from the ranch, through your local auction market or on the video. Separate listing sites are maintained for feeder calves and replacement females.
When you are ready to market your AngusSource or Gateway calves, simply log in online or call our office. Additional health, management and marketing information can be added to your Verification Certificate to create a marketing profile, which is posted online and e-mailed to more than 600 order buyers and feedyards.
After your calves have left your operation, our staff is standing by to assist the buyers. Verification Certificates and tag manifests can be requested directly from our office. Our staff offers same-day turnaround in providing this information to the backgrounders, order buyers, feeders and packers.
Verification is more than an ear tag and a certificate. It is an opportunity for you to add additional value to your calves and to open doors to new marketing avenues. There are many things to consider when choosing a verification program. Find out what services they offer above and beyond age and source verification. We are confident that when comparing programs you will find AngusSource and Gateway at the top of your list.
We look forward to working with you!
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