Integrity Beef: More Than A "Value Added" Program

Integrity Beef: More Than A "Value Added" Program

The Integrity Beef program (IBeef) was first introduced several years ago to a few progressive cow-calf producers. It serves as an example of an integrated effort to apply state-of-the-art technology and best management practices of the cattle industry to produce a more consistent, high quality product. Today, the IBeef program is a joint effort between the Noble Foundation consultation program and participating cooperators. It endeavors to be a producer-led program with the Noble Foundation serving as consultants to the program. The aim of this "value added" program is to realize greater returns to operations by producing calves that incorporate superior genetics, improved herd health and management strategies that enable diverse marketing opportunities.

This program invites cow/calf producers to participate who adhere to specified recordkeeping protocols, best management practices and bull selection criteria, as defined by a panel of producers and Noble Foundation consultants. Each calf crop must be age- and source-verified before leaving the ranch of origin. Producers must provide documentation of birthdates, and each animal must be uniquely identified with an electronic (EID) and ranch identification tag.

All age and source verification services for IBeef participants are performed by an industry leading, third-party, USDA-approved verification provider, which allows participating ranchers to market cattle as age-/source-verified (ASV) to any feedyard, market or other industry participant. Participation in the process verification program (PVP) allows producers to meet qualifications for Country Of Origin Labeling (COOL), which became effective March 16, 2009. ASV has to be performed prior to the animals leaving the ranch of origin.

All IBeef participants must meet Level I BQA training requirements to ensure that they have the working knowledge to properly process and handle cattle using the industry-recognized standards. Noble Foundation consultants provide training and online testing materials.

Another requirement for participation in the IBeef program is to obtain a Premise Identification Number. The biggest benefit of obtaining a Premise ID is it qualifies producers to compete in the global marketplace with livestock whose meat products are eligible for export.

A unique Premise ID is obtained by registering with the state health department or state veterinarian. Online registration is obtained at the following Web sites - for Oklahoma, www.OK.LocateIn48.com, and for Texas, www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_id.

All IBeef participants are asked to contact Noble Foundation IBeef representatives prior to spring processing to determine the total number of calves participating in the Integrity Beef program for the year and to arrange for EID delivery. Once a Noble Foundation IBeef representative is contacted, a user account is created for producers with the third-party, USDA-approved PVP provider on their Web site that allows participants to view their respective animal information. EID tags and forms are shipped directly to the ranch headquarters. Enrollment is updated annually through a Noble Foundation IBeef representative.

IBeef producers are responsible for EID tagging and data collection with the exception of new participants to the program. All new Integrity Beef participants are required to have a member of the consultation team representing their region present at the first calf working date to validate that the processing is performed using BQA practices, assist with the age and source verification process, provide recommendations on cattle handling and answer any other questions that the participant may have.

Calves are then weaned and processed again in the fall. Producers collect weaning data and precondition the calves for at least 45 days. The calves are then eligible for collective marketing through a sanctioned sale, are marketed as independent groups or are retained for marketing at a later date as heavy stockers or feeders. The information collected is analyzed to produce reports that are used by the consultation teams and participants to monitor progress toward defined goals.

The IBeef program is a "value added" program – and more. As you can see from the management practices outlined above, this program is intensive. It requires more because it takes a lot more effort to differentiate a program in an extremely competitive industry. It is for the truly progressive producer who values data, information, application of technology, quality livestock and production practices; and is willing to hold themselves to a higher standard - integrity. For more information about the Integrity Beef program, contact one of the Noble Foundation IBeef representatives.