Frequently Asked Questions Why use RFID tags? RFID tags allow CHB LLC and its program partners to gather and share data seamlessly and economically. The unique, 15-didgit number from each RFID tag will be used to match feedlot and carcass performance data to producer enrollment records. RFID technology is being embraced by USDA and private industry groups that are building the traceability system that will ultimately help assure the security of our food supply. How do RFID tags work? Electronic ID (EID) is synonymous with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) RFID provides the basis for automated data collection on individual animals RFID eliminates the need for “line of sight” reading necessary with barcode systems. The signal can penetrate through body tissue, wood, plastic, mud, manure and more RFID, in this application, is passive and therefore requires no battery, meaning it will last for the life of the animal RFID tags are implanted with microchips, which are tiny, passive electronic devices, ranging in size from 12 to 28 millimeters in length and 2.1 to 3.5 millimeters in diameter. The smallest microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. During the manufacturing process, each microchip is individually inscribed and programmed to store a unique, permanent, 10 to 15-digit alphanumeric identification code. The microchip is coupled with an antenna and placed into the two-piece plastic ear tag. Once an animal has been identified with an RFID device, the microchip remains inactive until read with a scanner. The scanner sends a low frequency radio signal to the chip, providing the power needed by the microchip to send its unique code back to the scanner and positively identify the animal. The microchip is designed to last for the life of the animal with the unique ID number intact. What is a Program Compliant Tag (PCT)? A PCT is a one time use, temper evident, unique tag that will allow your cattle to maintain their age and source approval/identity. Who will have access to my data? Hereford Verified, as the data manager, will have access to all records in the system but will only report specific performance results to the producer and feedlot that enrolled and fed each pen of cattle. Other than the information used to compose a HerfNet feeder-calf listing, information provided on the Supply Verified Kit may be subject to USDA audit to validate product claims. Currently, Hereford Verified is not a part of the National ID system. No data will be shared with any entity without the written consent of the enrolling producer. How do I, as a cow-calf producer, become eligible for program benefits? To receive Hereford Verified program benefits, cow-calf producers must meet the following requirements: Cattle are enrolled in the program Cattle are identified by an RFID tag A signed affidavit of source and age is on file with the participating feedlot that is feeding the cattle Cattle are harvested at National Beef RFIDs are successfully read at harvest From Producers: What if I don’t have internet access? You can enroll cattle by calling 1.866.HerfNet (437.3638). When will I receive my qualification bonus? Producers will receive data reports and bonus checks after all carcass and feedlot data is received from National Beef and the appropriate feedlot, respectively. Can I sell my calves at auction? Producers may sell their calves to Hereford Verified feedlot through any means they choose. However because data sharing is dependent upon the cooperation of a specific list of feeders, it’s imperative that producers get one or more of those feeders to participate in the direct-contracting or open-bidding format of their choice. Cattle that plan on being marketed through a sale barn or an unapproved location MUST have a Program Compliant Tag (PCT) prior to leaving the ranch. Who buys my calves? Participating feedlots in Nebraska and Kansas have been designated to feed cattle for the Hereford Verified program. Producers who enroll in Hereford Verified will have direct access to these feeders to solicit buyers for their program eligible cattle. What happens if my calves are not purchased by one of the participating feedyards? If the participating feedyards do not meet their projected weekly harvest quota, Hereford Verified tagged cattle in non-participating feedyards may become eligible as needed. How much will I get paid for my calves? Price is independently negotiated between buyers and sellers. Depending on quality, uniformity, flesh, weigh-up conditions, load lots of same-sexed cattle and historical information provided to the prospecting buyer, Hereford Verified feeder cattle are expected to be at local market price or above based on these criteria. For example, your chances of getting a competitive bid on your calves depend heavily on your ability to assemble 50,000 lbs. of same sexed cattle of uniform weight with at least 50 % meeting Certified Hereford Beef live-animal specifications. Less than load (fewer than 50,000 lbs.) listings are commonly overlooked because of the added transportation costs. Are there additional premiums if I retain ownership of my calves? Yes. Feeder Requirements and Benefits % Live Animal Qualifiers = 90% % Choice Grading = 60% Premium Over Weekly Cash Market = $12 per head From Feeders: What if my calves are not sold to National Beef? Cattle not sold to National Beef will not garner feeder premiums or producer bonuses through Hereford Verified. How does a feedlot qualify for the program? Currently, the participating feedlots are obligated to meet the demand quota. As the program grows, there will be additional feedlots added to the cooperating feedlot list. If a feedlot is not a present cooperating feedlot but has Hereford Verified tagged cattle, that feedlot may become a cooperator by first contacting National Beef and then meeting the specific data sharing requirements of Hereford Verified. Only those feedlots that share data can benefit from Hereford Verified. Is there a guarantee that a participating feedlot will buy my cattle? There are no guarantees. However, each participating feedlot has committed to a monthly quota of program cattle and will actively search Hereford Verified enrollments to find them. Your chances of getting a competitive bid on your calves depend heavily on your ability to assemble 50,000 lbs. of same-sex cattle of uniform weight with at least 50% meeting Certified Hereford Beef live-animal specifications. Less than load (less than 50,000 lb.) lots are commonly overlooked because of the added transportation costs per head. Tag questions: What type of RFID tags can I buy? Ranch Option - Allflex white, Hereford Verified EID button for the cost of $1.95 per tag. Feeder Option - Allflex green, HerfNet EID tags can be purchased for $1.85 per tag. Will I receive individual carcass data tied to these tag numbers? Yes, if you purchase the Detailed Data package. Can I match my cow records to my RFID tags? Producers are responsible for maintaining a cross-reference between the 15 digit RFID number and their herd records. It is recommended that producers who seek individual carcass data purchase combo tags that will allow them to tie the 15 digit RFID number to a pre-printed visual ID number. Can I match my cow records to my RFID tags? When you purchase tags from herefordverified.com you will receive a disk containing all RFID numbers. It is the producer’s responsibility to cross reference RFID numbers with herd management records. Additional questions: Will cuts of meat be traced to my animals? No. What is my liability? Your liability will not change with the Hereford Verified tag. The premise ID will not change your liability other than the owner of the premises will be traceable. Benefits of the Program Getting Started Frequently Asked Questions