Oklahoma livestock producers can now manage their herd more effectively following an agreement with Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Agriculture Solutions to expand the Beef Verification Solution into Oklahoma.
“It’s exciting to bring the benefits of animal age and source verification, data management and voluntary animal identification compliance to Oklahoma ranchers,” said Steve Kouplen, Beggs rancher and OFB president.
The Beef Verification Solution is a Farm Bureau member-driven, confidential and comprehensive livestock information management program, utilizing international Standards Organization-compliant, U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and a privately managed database. BVS is a program developed by Agriculture Solutions, a division of Kansas Farm Bureau.
“We are pleased to expand BVS into Oklahoma,” said Mark Nelson, BVS team leader. “Oklahoma is a progressive beef cattle state and combined with Kansas, Nebraska and Mississippi, gives us a solid base to effectively deliver the most flexible, comprehensive and competitively priced animal identification program in the industry.”
Nelson, based in Manhattan, KS, said the BVS goal is simple: To provide practical, ranch-level animal identification solutions for data collection, management and communication. Solutions available to members include source and age verification, the ability to manage and analyze animal data such as weight gain and carcass information, all while complying with the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).
“We want to connect Oklahoma farmers and ranchers with a system that can conveniently and economically provide age and source verification and comply with USDA standards,” said Kouplen. “This system adds value to our member’s herds and gives them a great tool to efficiently manage their herds.
With prices starting at $3.50 per animal, producers can use the program to better manage their herds.
The BVS private database was developed by Agriculture Solutions in conjunction with AgInfoLink, USA, a leading animal identification service provider.
“Agriculture Solutions and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau are doing it right,” said Glenn Smith, USA Country Manager for AgInfoLink, USA. “With BVS they’re creating localized networks and providing unique animal ID solutions that best fit the needs of individual producers.”
Interested livestock producers should contact their area Farm Bureau field representative or Kathy McNally, OFB’s Vice President, Field Services Division, KathyMcNally@okfb.org.
