Sara Snider
The Source
Happy New Year
It is hard to believe that the holidays are upon us and 2010 is almost here. As we begin a new year, it is a good time to take a look back at past accomplishments and to look forward and set goals for the coming year.
We have come a long way. In fiscal year 2005, the first year that AngusSource® was a Process Verified Program (PVP), we enrolled a little more than 65,000 head. In fiscal year (FY) 2009 we enrolled close to 123,000. Enrollments nearly doubled in four
short years.
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 non-verified calves, and an additional $1.08 more per cwt. than other age- and source-verified calves sold through Superior Livestock Auction's video sales.
During 2009 there were many exciting changes in the AngusSource PVP.
New verification option
The Gateway program was introduced as a program option for producers wishing to verify only the source and age of their calves. Gateway gives us the opportunity to expand our services and work with a larger group of producers. Once calves are enrolled in Gateway they are identified with a yellow program-compliant tag, issued a verification certificate and can be promoted via the online listing site. To date there has been considerable interest from producers looking for verification options for their spring calves.
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 used to receiving will continue. In addition, there are several new things we are now offering to our customers.
New tag option
The AngusSource 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. A radio frequency identification (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 either 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).
Prices for program-compliant tags are:
AngusSource — visual $1, RFID $2.25, Choice set $3.25.
Gateway — visual $2, RFID $3, Choice set $5
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.
More to come
Fiscal year 2010 is off to a good start. The value of age-verified calves has remained steady, with some packers guaranteeing premiums to be at least $35 per head until May 2010.
As we look ahead to set goals for 2010, we are excited about the new products and services we are able to offer our customers. It is our goal to continue providing economical verification options and outstanding customer service. Through promotion and industry partnerships we will work to promote the value of calves enrolled in AngusSource and Gateway.
If at any time you have questions about our programs or services, please contact us. We look forward to working with you on your next enrollment and hope the new year is filled with healthy calves and a strong market.
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