NDA Director Greg Ibach said such records are necessary if producers decide at a later date to enroll their cattle in age- and source-verified programs for possible export or domestic marketing opportunities. UNL Extension, in cooperation with NDA and the Beef Council, will be conducting educational seminars later this year to give cow/calf producers additional, step-by-step information about raising age- and source-verified livestock.

"Animal health concerns and consumer demand are driving beef marketing changes," Ibach said. "There is a great deal of opportunity for Nebraska to capture a share of this changing market if we have livestock that meets age- and source-specifications.

"Producers can take some basic steps now to position themselves for possible marketing opportunities once their animals mature."

UNL Extension Beef Specialist Rick Rasby said producers may have to slightly alter their management techniques and records to market into some niche markets. In some cases, for livestock to be considered eligible, producers will need to participate in a Process Verified Program (PVP) or a Quality System Assessment (QSA) program.

Source: Southwest Nebraska News