COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • MARCH 2020


Small-lot ranchers can benefit from certification


VBP+ program can result in price premiums, consumer confidence


by JACKIE PEARASE VERNON – Rancher Lani


French gladly shared her experience with the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program at a February 12 workshop that attracted 18 beef producers. French says getting


certified meshes nicely with her farming philosophy. “For me, it was an emotional thing to have done because I’m very passionate about what we are doing,” she said about her 85-head Double Walking Cane Ranch in Vernon. “Every time I drive through the gate, I see that VBP sign and it makes me proud.” BC Cattlemen Association


beef production specialist and BC VBP+ coordinator Bree Patterson says the 16-year-old national voluntary program previously focused on on- farm food safety but environmental stewardship, biosecurity and animal welfare were recently added. “It’s a simple, three-step


program,” she notes. “You can get this done quickly or take your time.” The program’s first step is


to take the training workshop. Past workshops were


targeted to commercial producers but they are now open to 4-H members, small- lot producers, university and college students in agriculture programs and general industry representatives. About a third of the


producers at the Vernon workshop were small-lot farmers. Patterson says three


producers confirmed interest in obtaining VBP+ certification


Forage and Cover Crop Seed


Authorized Dealer for:


GPS Guidance and Precision Ag Equipment


Ag Consulting Services: Beef Nutrition and Ration Balancing and Nutrient Management Planning


after the workshop; none of them are small-lot producers. Small-lot farmers in attendance said the cost of the program would be very difficult to recoup, but Patterson says the workshop can still benefit them. “BCCA does understand


that the VBP+ program may not be a cost-effective program for smaller producers but we're happy to provide solid beef science and research to them,” she explains. “The increase in those eligible for training … is a great way for everyone within the beef industry to network and learn from one another, which is a big part of the VBP+ program.” Beef producers wanting to


take the next step can enroll in the VBP+ program by filling out and submitting a self- assessment. A coordinator then provides information on how to obtain an on-site validation audit to obtain certification. VBP+ certification allows a


producer to use the VBP+ logo in marketing (but not on


Celebration


Alberni Farmers' Institute members gathered to celebrate the institute's 122nd anniversary on February 23. Founded February 19, 1898, the institute is one of the oldest in the province. Organizing the celebration were, left to right, president Lisa Aylard, vice-president Meagan Curtis, secretary Anna Lewis and director Sarah Rymer. BOB COLLINS PHOTO


the product itself) to demonstrate that they are controlling risks. It also highlights the quality and safety of their product. “It’s our ability to use this logo to explain to the consumer that we are doing beef production in Canada and BC to its best possible ability. We’re sustainable, we’re here for the long term, we’re here for the future,” Patterson notes.


Salmon Arm rancher Trudy Schweb attended the


workshop and is now getting certified. “If people get on board, I


think it’s good for the industry. We need to be promoting this stuff to the consumer because the consumers need to know what we’re doing in the background,” she says. Schweb says being


certified will be a positive marketing angle and the premium beef receives is another incentive. A monetary increase of about $20 a head is paid to VBP+ certified producers using VPB+ certified backgrounders and VPB+ certified feedlots and selling to Cargill High River.


The monetary increase is paid to each of the different stages of verified beef operations (cow-calf, feedlot, backgrounder). “But if they don't make it to


Cargill High River, then there's no money back to anyone,” adds Patterson. French says VBP+


certification is an excellent way to educate the public about best management practices and the realities of the beef industry. “We need to gain their


trust. They need to see what we are doing as an industry. There’s no more important time than now. Let’s jump on board,” she says. “It’s easy and it’s well worth the time.”


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BC SHORTHORN ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT:SCOTT FRASER 250-709-4443


BC DIRECTOR: BOB MERKLEY 604-607-7733


Have you herd? VBP+ Training Workshops are Free!


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