1 February 2007
Kenilworth, N.J.
RESEARCH FINDINGS REVEAL PERCEPTIONS, OPPORTUNITIES
FOR AGE AND SOURCE VERIFIED CATTLE
KENILWORTH, N.J. (February 1, 2007) – Access to livestock with value-added information, such as process verified age and source data, is sited as important to compete for future beef markets according to three in four sale barn operators with exposure to these types of certification programs. Nearly 100 sale barn operators from around the country participated in the study that was cosponsored by the Livestock Marketing Association and Global Animal Management.
Of those surveyed, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the U.S. inventory of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter, more than half currently sell cattle enrolled in programs such as Process Verified Programs (PVP) for age and source verification and other third-party health certifications. About 65 percent of all operators expect to see an increase in the number of cattle they sell enrolled in such programs in the future.
Jim Heinle, president, Global Animal Management said, “As a leader in animal identification and tracking technology, we conducted this research to better understand the market needs and opportunities for age and source verified cattle, as well as those with certified animal health processes. With the TRI-MERIT™ system, we are working to make it easier for cattlemen to provide such value-added information in order to turn their “generic” calves in to “branded” animals that have the best potential to take advantage of marketing opportunities.”
In combination with its recent USDA approval as the first interim animal tracking database participant for the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), TRI-MERIT now offers the cattle industry the only single-source solution to manage all their compliance and value-added animal information, whether it be certifying animal health processes, verifying an animal’s age and source through the TRI-MERIT PVP, satisfying NAIS requirements or purchasing unique animal ID tags. TRI-MERIT is powered by Global Animal Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schering-Plough Animal Health.
Sale barn operators ranked increased sales price as the number one benefit to participating in certified health, age and source verification programs, closely followed by the potential of attracting new buyers with the specialized information.
Scott Sandal with Stockman’s Livestock Market said, “Some buyers are requesting age and source verified cattle because it gives them assurance that the cattle have actually been handled. We’ve seen premiums of $5 per hundredweight for quality, weaned cattle with health certifications plus age and source PVPs.” About one-third of the livestock Stockman’s sells during their weekly sale are PVP-approved for age and source.
According to the survey, sale barn operators reporting premiums have seen average increases of up to $5.37 per hundredweight for cattle with age and source PVPs, plus third-party health certifications.
While operators see a current and future need for cattle with these type of certifications, they cited the work required by producers as the leading reasons more operators aren’t participating in such programs.
“We want to make it as easy and cost-effective as possible for producers who desire to meet these developing market demands,” Heinle said. “Once producers enter the TRI-MERIT world, they can accomplish all their needs. It’s a one-stop shop.”
To learn how to access TRI-MERIT to meet animal identification and age and source verification needs, visit www.tri-merit.com and find a facilitator near you or call (800) 235-9824. A producer can access the system on his own, or through one of the 1,500 local veterinarian facilitators.
About Schering-Plough
Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation is the global animal health care business of Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE:SGP). Global Animal Management is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schering-Plough Animal Health.
Schering-Plough is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough’s vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 32,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is www.schering-plough.com.
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