|
AngusSource®, a USDA process verified program (PVP) of the
American Angus Association®, grew in every way during the
Association’s 2007 fiscal year. In turn, producers who used the
program received increased premiums. Since its inception in
October 2005, more than 900 producers have enrolled cattle in
AngusSource, which verifies age, source and genetics. More than
90,000 cattle were enrolled in 2007.
“We
experienced a 39-percent growth in enrollments this past year,”
says Sara Moyer, director of AngusSource. “We are excited that
producers are realizing the value of the marketing documents,
which include additional information on health and management. We
post these online and e-mail them to feedlots and order buyers
every week at no extra cost to the producer.”
Moyer
adds that 369 marketing documents – nearly 40% more than the
previous year – were completed and sent to more than 600 potential
customers.
This
year, the Association entered into an agreement with Pfizer Animal
Health as more producers realize the premiums available for health
verification through programs like Pfizer SelectVac. The
Association and Pfizer worked together through a marketing
cooperative introduced earlier this year to educate producers
about the value of Angus genetics, good health programs and
verification. All cattle enrolled in a health verification program
carry the logo of that company on their marketing document.
Since
AngusSource became a qualifier for the Certified Angus Beef ®
brand in 2006, cattle have qualified genetically for CAB
evaluation. This year, Tyson Fresh Meats qualified smoke-colored,
AngusSource enrolled cattle for CAB Natural. National Beef has
been qualifying black-hided cattle genetically using the
AngusSource tag.
“We are
proud that National Beef was able to launch AngusSource as a way
for cattle to qualify genetically for CAB. We have been pleased
with the performance of the AngusSource calves and encourage
producers to take advantage of the program,” says Art Wagner, vice
president of procurement for National Beef.
The
AngusSource program now works more closely with feedyards to
increase marketing opportunities for the export market. Since May,
AngusSource has offered PVP coverage to feedyards. Cattle that
were enrolled in AngusSource at the ranch can now be verified
through the feeding phase. That allows not only commercial
feedyards, but also farmer feeders, to market their age-verified
cattle directly to the packer and receive premiums.
More
exciting changes are in store for AngusSource in the next year,
according to Moyer. Producers will have the opportunity to list
commingled lots to make one larger online listing, adding appeal
to buyers looking for a load lot. Instead of a producer listing a
single lot of 25 head, the producer can now list a lot with a
relative or neighbor also enrolled in the program and can promote
their larger, combined lot together. “We continually look for ways
to make the AngusSource program more appealing to the producers
enrolled in the program, and those buyers looking to buy
Angus-sired calves,” Moyer said.
An
increased push for AngusSource feeder calf sales will be seen in
the coming months. Special feeder calf sales are planned at
several sale barns across the country with the increased interest
in age- and source-verified cattle and the popularity of the Angus
breed. Two sales have already seen success—one in Staunton, Va.,
and one in Pratt, Kan.
“The
Shen-Valley Angus and Virginia Angus Associations’ AngusSource
Feeder Calf sale was a great success as it allowed both larger and
smaller producers from Virginia and West Virginia to receive
premiums for their Angus-sired calves,” says Dan Wells, executive
director of the Virginia Angus Association.
|
