Press Release

Kansas Farm Bureau Launches Beef Verification Solution with AgInfoLink

PRODUCERS CAN RESPOND TO CONSUMER DEMAND, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 

Agriculture Solutions, a division of Kansas Farm Bureau, is launching a new member service for animal identification and information management starting this fall. The Beef Verification Solution will offer services that enable farmers and ranchers to collect individual animal information, connect to other segments of the livestock industry, comply with regulatory identification programs, and improve their livestock operations through better information. The Beef Verification Solution will be powered by AgInfoLink’s customized information management solutions.

With Beef Verification Solution, Kansas Farm Bureau addresses the need for animal identification as outlined in USDA’s National Animal Identification System (NAIS). As the NAIS system evolves, Beef Verification Solution will be flexible enough to adapt. Likewise, as the marketplace demands animal traceability to satisfy consumer demands for source verification, Beef Verification Solution will position Kansas farmers and ranchers to take advantage of these new market opportunities. Beef Verification Solution system will also offer services for multiple species as those needs evolve.

Beef Verification Solution offers producers radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, linking of those animal identifiers with official premises ID when that is available from the Kansas Animal Health Department, recording of basic animal performance and production history, herd and farm production and financial summaries, and farm benchmarking. Data can be collected using AgInfoLink’s BeefLink™ chuteside software, or through AgInfoLink’s paper-based CattleCard™ for management or compliance only. With the CattleCard option, producers will not require a computer or RFID reader – only a pencil.

The Beef Verification Solution is the result of direction from Kansas Farm Bureau’s grassroots membership. After two years of discussion and county resolutions seeking solutions for animal identification and Country of Origin Labeling, the Kansas Farm Bureau Livestock Advisory Committees recommended that KFB affiliate with a commercial company to offer animal ID services.

“Our goal is to connect our farmers and ranchers with a service provider and assist them with the transition to a national animal identification system,” said Steve Baccus, an Ottawa County producer who serves as president of the Kansas Farm Bureau. “From the producer’s perspective, we accomplish two goals with one effort. We get a head start on regulatory compliance and we meet all-important consumer demands.”

Kansas Farm Bureau selected AgInfoLink after a thorough review of information management companies in the agricultural sector.

“Our commodity committees and staff interviewed a number of companies,” said Mark Nelson , Director of Commodities for Kansas Farm Bureau. “AgInfoLink was the clear choice because of their proven experience and flexible information management products that can be customized to uniquely meet the needs of Kansas Farm Bureau’s members.”

"AgInfoLink is honored to be selected by the Kansas Farm Bureau," said Glenn Smith , Country Manager, AgInfoLink USA . "The Beef Verification Solution will offer real-world management tools that will enhance efficiency and boost profits for Kansas farmers and ranchers.”

Agriculture Solutions, a division of KansasFarm Bureau, is dedicated to developing programs and services that enable farmer and rancher members to better manage the income from their operations.

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.

Source: AgInfoLink
September 17, 2004