Press Release

SOUTH DAKOTA CERTIFIED BEEF SELECTS agInfolink FOR TRACKING AND CERTIFICATION solutions

Longmont, CO- August 11 , 2004 - The South Dakota Department of Agriculture has selected AgInfoLink as its information management partner to provide tracking and certification solutions for its newly launched South Dakota Certified Beef program.

The South Dakota Certified Beef program was officially launched on July 26 at a Beef Summit hosted by Governor Michael Rounds. “The State envisions this program to help South Dakota producers share in the end sale margins of locally bred and fed beef by redefining South Dakota beef from a commodity product to one recognized as American’s best,” said Governor Rounds. “Our goal is to have consumers associate ‘South Dakota Certified Beef’ as ‘the World’s Best Beef.’”

South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Larry Gabriel sees added value through added customer assurance. “South Dakota Certified Beef will be backed with certification by the State of South Dakota of required Source and Process Verification protocols that must be followed by producers. These enhanced quality assurance measures will raise the standard for producing beef and create great opportunities for South Dakota ranchers and feeders.”

To track animal production and verification, South Dakota has selected AgInfoLink as its information partner. According to Secretary Gabriel, “AgInfoLink has the software solutions, the people, and the vision to support the State of South Dakota and its producers in implementing a traceability system for South Dakota Certified Beef. Based upon their experience, people, and solutions, AgInfoLink is the logical choice for South Dakota Certified.”

“AgInfoLink is honored to be selected by the State of South Dakota,” says Glenn Smith, Country Manager, AgInfoLink USA. “South Dakota Certified will require a flexible yet robust solution to manage information on individual animal movement and required production practices. AgInfoLink will deploy systems that enable state officials to manage information and certify animals qualified for the program, including tracking of animal movement and herd health history.”

South Dakota Certified Beef requirements include producers completing Beef Quality Assurance certification; animals being born, raised, fed, and harvested in South Dakota; animal identification and identity preservation through electronic animal ID; age verification less than 30 months of age; and minimum 120 days on feed. There is also a Certified Natural option that includes feeding no animal byproducts; no growth promoting hormones; and no use of antibiotics. Producers will be able to work with the information company of their choice to collect ranch and feedlot data. Producers will then submit data to the state system developed and operated by AgInfoLink. Detailed information on South Dakota Certified Beef can be found at www.southdakotacertifiedbeef.com.

South Dakota Certified Beef is a value added program sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture designed to add value to South Dakota beef products through use of State verified protocols that raise the standards of local beef production to provide safety and product quality assurances to discriminating consumers.

AgInfoLink , a leading global information solutions provider, envisions a food industry where linked information and traceability provide enhanced business performance, regulatory compliance, and overall food security.

For more information contact:

Eric Iversen
South Dakota Department of Agriculture
(605) 773-3649
Eric.Iversen@state.sd.us
www.southdakotacertifiedbeef.com