Q: How will this program add value to my cattle?
The South Dakota Certified Seal of Confidence will emphasize and validate that South Dakota producers are delivering the highest quality, most wholesome and safest source/process verified livestock to their customers. This marketing tool will standardize a set of protocols creating universal recognition to the brand allowing producers to remove themselves from the commodity livestock business and more effectively market the information that makes their cattle more valuable.

Q: Are there other benefits to a producer in participating in the South Dakota Certified Beef Program?
Because South Dakota Certified Beef protocols dovetail nicely into existing branded beef markets, as the state develops its processing industries, producers have the ability to market their source, age and process verified cattle through branded beef companies currently sourcing claim specific cattle.

Q: Why else should I be involved in the South Dakota Certified Beef Program?
The agriculture industry is changing in many ways. Striving efforts to restore export markets and the vast potential that exists for expansion into “claim specific” markets lends way for the development of new source and process verified programs. Identity preserve programs will also assist in localizing a disease outbreak if one exists. Consumers are more informed and concerned about the beef products they purchase and that they are safe. A Customer Confidence Assurance Program like, South Dakota Certified, will assist in making customers aware of the sound production and management practices that go into South Dakota beef cattle production.

Q: Will all cattle eligible for the program require an electronic animal
identification (EID) tag?
In order to verify complete traceability to the customer, all cattle eligible for the South Dakota Certified Program must be source verified at the farm/ranch of origin via an EID tag. Prior to removal from their original Premises or entering commerce, which ever occurs first, all participating cattle will need to be tagged and continually tracked via the EID ear tag. The state database will maintain the “scan in” and “scan out” data as animals move across subsequent Premises.

Q: What EID tag manufacturer and data management company should I utilize to purchase my tags?
The state will not recommend any one tag manufacturer or data management company to utilize. The only requirement is to use ISO approved RFID electronic tags. The data management company you choose needs to be able to interface with the state database to allow for seamless movement of traceability and age verification information. Please visit our website at southdakotacertifiedbeef.com/cp/pp.asp for a listing of data management companies.

Q: Where do I start to become a South Dakota Certified Beef Producer?
Contact the South Dakota Department of Agriculture at 605-773-5436 or 1-800-228-5254 (in South Dakota) for more information about South Dakota Certified Beef Program. If you are not currently BQA-CMP certified, contact the South Dakota Animal Industry Board at 605-773-3321 or your local livestock extension educator to learn more about this valuable program and to schedule a training session. To allow for complete traceability, a Premises number that uniquely identifies your ranch must also be obtained. To receive an application for an official USDA Premises number, contact the South Dakota Animal Industry Board.

Q: Are there different ways to participate in the program?
Producers may participate in the South Dakota Certified Beef Program in a variety of ways depending on their desires. Those who simply want to continue marketing live cattle at various stages can participate in the South Dakota Certified ‘Approved’ Live Cattle Program which will assist them in providing reliability to their customers by verifying source, age and traceability claims. Or, some producers may see benefits in forming arrangements with specific niche beef processors in South Dakota assisting them in supplying and delivering South Dakota Certified Beef to customers around the world. Specific processing protocols are currently being developed that state processors must adhere to in order to utilize the South Dakota Certified Logo.

* If you have questions regarding the above information, please contact:
, at the SD Department of Ag: 1-800-228-5254 OR (605) 773-5436.

** The above information was provided by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture.