The Nebraska Department of Agriculture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, and the Nebraska Beef Council have partnered to organize several resources to help Nebraska's beef producers understand age- and source-verification of livestock and the various marketing opportunities, international and domestic, for such animals.
This partnership has resulted in the availability of a video, produced in August 2007, which gives producers the basics on terminology associated with age and source verification, a look at available marketing opportunities, and discussion about potential costs versus benefits. Individuals interested in learning more about this video can:
In addition, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is working to develop a database of local Nebraska contacts for companies that have Quality System Assessment (QSA) Programs and Process Verified Programs (PVPs) approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. Meantime, company names and contacts can be found on USDA's websites at http://processverified.usda.gov/LSOfficialListingPVP.pdf and http://www.ams.usda.gov/ls g/arc/LSOfficialListingQSA.pdf.
NDA's recently-updated Nebraska Feedlot Directory includes company-supplied information about age and source data collection, QSA and PVP availability. To access this listing, click here.
NDA recognizes that information on livestock age and source verification - and potential marketing opportunities associated with this verification can be confusing and time-consuming to research. However, producers with already-established, good recording keeping habits may have the basic structure in place to open up a variety of marketing opportunities. If NDA can be of assistance, please email us.