eMerge’s CattleLog ID System Provides Information for Processors, Feedlots and Producers

by Bob Strong

Animal identification is a topic at all cattle meetings or conventions. Hopefully the industry will drive the program, not the government. The identification program will not prevent a disease or terrorist act, but it can, with wide use, be an effective surveillance program. Regardless of past programs for disease control such as Brucellosis and Bangs, we live in the present and any identification system has to be the same. To meet the 48-hour trace-back criteria and the demands of the industry, the system has to be the latest technology.
Not everyone will use all the technology. None of us are using all the technology that is available to us today. There will be potential benefits in genetics, production efficiency and management at all levels of the cattle industry.

The industry definitely needs to control the system not the government for control of records and cost. If the identification system is controlled by the industry the two big issues of privacy and cost are much more likely to be controlled satisfactorily. The cost, as with any tool, will most likely be borne by the producer or user. And, like any tool, the benefits and profits will go to those who make the best use of the tool. The big question is, what will the final technology be and how soon will it be put to use? There are a number of systems in the testing stage at this time.

ID Technology Can Help Re-Open Trade
On October 23, 2004, the USDA announced the establishment of a new marketing program, known as the Beef Export Verification (BEV) Program, which will enable the resumption of beef trade with Japan. In addition to the removal of Specified Risk Materials (SRMs), bovine animals included in the BEV Program for Japan must be traceable to animals 20 months of age or younger at time of harvest. This is documented by four criteria, one of which is the use of USDA Process Verified Animal Identification and Data Collection Services.

Resumption of two-way trade between the United States and Japan, formerly the United States' largest beef export partner, has been a priority for the USDA and United States beef industry since all export activity to Japan was halted in December 2003. In 2003, exports of U.S. beef and beef products to Japan were valued at approximately $1.7 billion.

David Warren, President and CEO of eMerge Interactive, commented on the USDA announcement: "This announcement helps validate the importance that we have placed on development and approval of our CattleLog Program. The potential impact of CattleLog on the commercial health of the beef industry led us to invest substantial financial and human resources to earn USDA's Process Verified Program approval for the system in 2003, and we are very pleased that the USDA and the government of Japan have recognized the value and integrity of using a Process Verified Program. Process Verified Programs like CattleLog offer a convenient way for critical production data to be collected and shared, all within a single, USDA-approved and audited information system.

About the CattleLog Process Verified Program
The CattleLog Process Verified Program is based on the CattleLog suite of individual animal management products and services. In operation since 1999, CattleLog allows livestock producers and processors to document any animal information production practice. The CattleLog Process Verified Program addresses over 80 critical processes and procedures that affect customer satisfaction and the accuracy and integrity of data that is collected and reported by CattleLog customers. Originally approved by the USDA in December 2003, the program was subsequently re-approved in June 2004. CattleLog was also the lowest-priced data service based on the 2003 Kansas State University/BEEF Magazine RFID Survey of the Animal Information Industry.

The interest concerning the information from the producer to the meat case is at an all time high.
Meat processors need a system which will give relevant information from the herd up to slaughter. In turn, the carcass information would be added in and passed onto the retailer and consumer. The carcass data could also be returned to the producer for use in improving his cattle.

The challenge facing meat processors today is retaining individual animal identification through the fabrication process -- a challenge Emerge has met utilizing their CattleLog data service.

The BSE case in December, 2003 has created a need and demand for traceability of information. This will have a long term and significant impact on the meat industry. The changes in the industry that will take place are not completely apparent at this time. The advance of the technology will make the process much easier than what it seems like at this time.

According to Warren, “The need for proven high-quality identification services is not going to go away and we intend to be a supplier of these services well into the future.” ©