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Age and Source Verification

Northwest Premium Genetic Partners is paying cash premiums for age and source verified (ASV) cattle that have Thomas Angus Ranch and Harrell Hereford Ranch bulls in their program. In order to qualify calves as ASV cattle, the calf crop must have verifiable records showing the first and last drop date for the calf crop or individual calving records. The calves within a group must be identified with the calving records. The ranch must be an approved supplier as part of a USDA approved Quality System Assessment (QSA) or a Processed Verified Program (PVP). There are many QSA and PVP programs available. We can help you find one so you can add value to your calves.

What is a PVP or QSA?

A Process Verified Program (PVP) or a Quality Systems Assessment (QSA) is a government, audited program that provides suppliers of agricultural products or services the opportunity to assure customers of their ability to provide consistent quality products or services. When a producer is supplying Northwest Premium Genetic Partners (NWGP) with age and source verified (ASV) cattle, they must be part of a PVP or QSA program. This means the PVP/QSA is guaranteeing to NWGP that the cattle are part of an audited program where process verified points are supported by a documented quality management system that has been approved by the USDA. The PVP/QSA age verification system is what the Japanese have demanded for beef to qualify to be exported to their market.

What does the rancher need to do to qualify their calves as age and source verified?

The rancher needs to have birth records for the calf crop being marketed. These records can consist of a first and last drop date for their calving season or individual birth dates. The birth record must tie to the calves the ranch is qualifying for the Japanese market. These records must be written down in a calving book on a calendar, etc. and be kept for at least 3 years. Calves that are purchased will not qualify.

If the rancher has the birth records to qualify the calves as ASV, what is the next step?

If the birth records can be tied to the calf crop being marketed, the rancher needs to have those records and birth record system verified through a PVP or QSA program. Costs vary depending on the program a person chooses. There are many programs available including: Global Animal Management, Angus Source, Certified Hereford Beef, Sterling Solutions, IMI Global, AgInfo Link, Micro Beef, etc. These programs will require the rancher to complete training and either a “desk audit” or an “on-site” audit. A desk audit is usually conducted over the phone and the auditor will review the record keeping system and the process that the rancher uses to identify calves and their associated birth dates. An on-site audit will include a visit to the ranch to review records and procedures. Neither of these reviews require too much as long as the birth records are in good order.