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Traceability Project Now Under Way

February 3, 2011 Issue 5, PEI Cattle Producers No Comments

By Rinnie Bradley

Our traceability project has been approved, and we are gearing up to work with those who have volunteered to participate. This complex gathering of information from cow/calf and feedlot producers, and Atlantic Beef Products will provide valuable knowledge on tracking animals and sharing information along the supply chain.

When this three year project is complete, we will share our findings with the industry. Not all producers agree that sharing carcass data from ABP back to the cow/calf producer, or vice versa, is of any value, but I have spoken to many cow/calf producers who believe it’s crucial to their herd management. This project will flesh out the challenges for those who wish to participate in similar data exchange programs.

Another component of this project is the assignment of Premise ID numbers to the producers. These numbers will be assigned over the next few years in partnership between the PEICP and the Department of Agriculture.

The federal government is preparing for the eventual implementation of traceability regulations which include animal ID, Premise ID and movement. Animal ID has been implemented through the use of RFID tags. Premise ID numbers were originally being assigned by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) but PEI. and several other provinces wanted to administer the program. The CCIA has agreed to partner with these provinces, and is currently developing a system for information to be shared.

Tracking movement is the third and final component of traceability. The pilot project will provide information that will help ensure future regulations reflect the realities of animal movement as they apply to PEI cattle producers.

3rd Annual Meeting

October 7, 2010 Issue 3, PEI Cattle Producers No Comments
On the evening of March 31, 2010 over forty beef producers came together at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown for their Annual Meeting. After the business portion of the meeting, Les Halliday led us through an extensive list of ways to save costs down on the farm. There were lots of take home ideas that could make a difference to your bottom line.

His presentation will be added to our website at www.peicattleproducers.com so you can read over his suggestions at your leisure.

We also reviewed a couple of other programs to make sure producers were aware of them. We were pleased to let producers know that the Beef Industry Initiative (BII) program had been extended for another year. The BII covers programs such as Enhanced Herd Health, Genetic Heifer Retention and Handling Facilities. There were no changes to these programs with the exception of the Genetic Heifer Retention. Under this program, producers who wish to source their heifer from outside the Maritimes will be eligible for an additional $200.00 if they meet all the previous requirements.

The Growing Forward Program continues to offer funding for certain farm food safety, traceability and/or biosecurity items. The most popular costs covered under this program are RFID readers and Verified Beef Production audits. The program will cover up to 75% of eligible costs up to $2500.00. It is important to remember you must be preapproved, or you may not be eligible for funding. The Maritime Bull Test Station continues to input age verification data for producers. If you don’t have the time or the means to get online to do this yourself, by signing a third party release form and sending your information to the MBTS, they will input your birthdates for you. As a reminder if you have a birth certificate for an animal which you present to ABP, it will override dentition if the animal happens to be less than thirty months of age but showing its 3rd and 4th secondary teeth. You could save $160.00 in over thirty month discounts. Forms are available at the PEICP office.

Justin Lawless was on hand with information on the Verified Beef Production program and is now meeting with producers. Just call the office at 368-2229 to arrange a time.

Cameron Pallett, a lawyer representing beef producers across Canada, was at the N.S. Cattle Producers AGM to discuss the BSE Class Action lawsuit. His update indicated that lawyers have done all they can for now. It is a matter of time before any decision will be made. Producers do not have to register. Having beef income and expenses listed on a 2003 income tax return is all the proof a producer needs, so we encourage you to hang on to your old records.

Peter Verleun has been re-elected as Chair, Ivan Johnson as Vice–Chair and Brian Morrison as Secretary Treasurer. We would also like to welcome David McCloskey as a new Director At Large. Our remaining Directors include Jamie Whalen and Glen Jay, while Ronnie MacWilliams continues to serve as our Ex Officio Dairy Representative.

Following the meeting producers were treated to a delicious meal of beef on a bun served by Scott Carr who owns the company.

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