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CharAdvantage is an age, source and genetic certification program designed to add more value to Charolais-influenced feeder cattle. By enrolling in this program, you receive source, age and genetic verification in the calf crop that you are currently marketing. By documenting this information, participants can add value for buyers seeking feeder cattle with a known background that can qualify for added marketing opportunities and programs. CharAdvantage staff partners with IMI Global to create these opportunities for producers who are seeking more premiums in the marketplace.
There are two tag options to enroll in this program:
Option #1
Once cattle are enrolled, producers will receive a certificate which highlights several aspects of age, source and genetic components of the feeder cattle being offered.
In addition to age, source and genetic verification, these elements are also included on the certificate:
In addition to age, source and genetic verification, producers can also elect to enroll their cattle in one of the following programs for an added fee if desired.
Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) The Non-Hormone Treated Cattle Program allows your cattle to be eligible for buyers and brands exporting beef products to the European Union.
NHTC Enrollment is available for an additional service fee of $750 plus travel for an onsite audit (in addition to the per head cost). This is an annual fee for this service.
Verified Natural Beef (VNB)The Verified Natural Beef Program allows your cattle to be eligible for buyers and brands seeking specialty markets requiring natural beef and/or exporting beef products to the European Union.
VNB Enrollment is available for an additional service fee of $750 plus travel for an onsite audit (in addition to the per head cost). This is an annual fee for this service.
BeefCAREBeefCARE is a sustainability standard that certifies participating beef producers are implementing best practices in animal husbandry, environmental stewardship and a productive engagement with their local communities and the people within them. CARE certification creates value by communicating the invaluable role that farmers and ranchers play in each of these pillars. CARE is an additional $500 if bundling with SAV, NHTC, VNB, and $750 if standing alone. Per head and EID tag fees + travel will also be added.
IMI Global's skilled beef team will focus on the following during your initial phone interview. If you do not have the necessary documents in place, they will assist you in building them.
Animal Husbandry:
To begin, simply download and fill out the CharAdvantage form available here. Once form is filled out submit to becky@beefcenter.org. Phone assistance is also available by calling (816) 401-6427. Enrollments can be paid for by check or by credit card over the phone. Once enrollment is paid for, the tags can be ordered and will usually arrive in 7-10 business days. This set of tags will be assigned to your operation’s premise according to the enrolled year. IMI Global will then contact the participant to perform a desktop audit via phone, to ensure all program rules are in compliance. Once approved, CharAdvantage staff will email and mail a copy of the CharAdvantage certificate which can presented at time of cattle marketing.
75% of either sires or dams represented in the calf crop must be registered or recorded with AICA. Registration or recordation numbers of sires must be included on the enrollment form, regardless of ownership of the sire.
Groups of calves must predominately show Charolais characteristic (color).
All cattle enrolled must have a known age, as determined by the date of the first calf and last calf born in the calving season; or by individual birth dates of each calf.
Enrollments can only be made by the original owner of the cattle, and cattle must be owned by this participant at time of enrollment All enrolled cattle must be tagged with a CharAdvantage EID tag at time of shipping.
Call the AICA Office:
(816) 464-5977
