Sara Snider
The Source
What's new with AngusSource®?
As with every new program, there comes a time when most of the kinks have been worked out and the program enters "smooth sailing." After nearly four years of operation as a USDA Process Verified Program (PVP), AngusSource has reached that point, and business is booming. Although there isn't anything "new" to report at this time, there is plenty going on. At the end of June, enrollments were up 11.2% year-to-date.
The day-to-day operations of AngusSource are keeping us busy, but, as always, the Association Board of Directors and staff continually look for ways to assist our commercial customers and add value to their calves by developing new programs and improving existing ones. Be watching the Angus e-list for an exciting announcement.In the office, the staff is busy as producers fax in records and call to complete their training and enrollment of spring calves. Those producers selling fall calves enrolled in AngusSource are completing marketing documents and adding their calves to the online listing site. AngusSource sends out an e-mail to more than 600 potential buyers who will be able to view their marketing information.
The feedyard umbrella of AngusSource continues to grow. This extension of the AngusSource PVP offers the coverage necessary for farmer-feeders and commercial feedyards to market AngusSource calves directly to a packer. Annually, their training must be renewed, and all calves on feed must be enrolled in the feedyard program. In addition, other feedyards are calling daily to request verification certificates for AngusSource calves they have purchased.
Regional managers (RMs) and other program staff will begin completing ranch visits with those producers randomly selected for on-site reviews. Every six months 3% of the producers in each RM territory who have enrolled cattle in AngusSource receive an on-site review. These reviews are conducted to verify that the processes and procedures of the AngusSource program are working effectively. We also use this as a great opportunity to meet our producers face-to-face and identify any improvements we can make to AngusSource.
Customer feedback continues to be positive. Feedback forms submitted show that customer service, program tags and overall performance of the program are meeting producer expectations. Producers across the country also report that they are receiving additional dollars for their AngusSource calves selling from the ranch, at their local auction market or on the video auctions.
AngusSource has developed excellent working relationships with the Northern Livestock Video Auction, Superior Livestock Auction and Western Video markets, which continue to be strong marketing avenues for age-verified calves. Staff and regional managers continue to work to facilitate special feeder-calf sales at auction markets in several states.
If you are interested in adding value to your Angus-sired calves by enrolling in AngusSource, please contact our office at 816-383-5100. Enrollment, marketing assistance and additional dollars are just a phone call away.