USPB Commits to $25 Per Head Age and Source Verified Premium
U.S. Premium Beef (USPB) has committed to pay a $25 per head age and source verified premium (ASV) on qualifying cattle through May 31, 2008. The company was one of the first major U.S. processors to pay an ASV premium beginning in April 2005.
This decision is dependent upon United States trade remaining open with Japan. If, during this time, the United States and Japanese governments agree to allow product from cattle under 30 months of age, instead of the current restriction of cattle that are 20 months of age or younger, USPB’s $25 per head ASV premiums will still remain in effect through May 31, 2008.
The USDA announced on October 18th they will no longer allow back certification as of January 1, 2008. Back certification refers to verification done after the cattle have left the ranch of origin, for example, after the cattle arrive at the feedlot.
This means calves that have already left their ranch of origin, and are currently at a backgrounder, stocker, or feedyard, must be enrolled prior to January 1, 2008, in order to remain eligible for Export Verification for Japan. If cattle leave their ranch of origin after January 1, 2008, they must be fully enrolled in an ASV program before leaving the ranch of origin. For some ASV programs, this means calves must first be tagged with a program compliant tag before leaving the ranch of origin.
