Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PVP?
A PVP is a USDA approved Process Verified Program. A PVP requires a company or business entity to implement a Quality Management System, based upon ISO 9000 standards, to provide products or services which consistently meet specified product requirements. Integrated Traceability Solution’s (ITS) specific program claims are verified through USDA audits.
Can a PVP be used to qualify for Beef Export Verification for Japan?
Yes, a PVP for age and source verification can be implemented to verify the age and source of the animals to be marketed in a beef export verification program for Japan, provided they are uniquely identified back to the ranch of origin and all suppliers are enrolled and approved.
What are the responsibilities of Integrated Traceability Solutions (ITS) as a provider for Source and Age verification?
ITS provides producers with the ability to uniquely identify animals with RFID tags, manages data on those animals, enrolls producers into the program, and to provide verifiable information on age and source to others in the industry.
How do I become enrolled and approved in the ITS PVP?
(1) Step 1: Review the Kit100 (this is ITS Source and Age application) and Contract.
(2) Step 2: Complete all required information.
(3) Step 3: Assemble calving records, inventory (head count support records) contract and required pages out of the ITS Kit 100 (the required pages have “Submit this Page” at the bottom).
(4) Step 4: Mail, fax or email all information to ITS
How will buyers know my animals are covered by the PVP?
Participants will receive an official certificate recognizing their approval for participation in the ITS PVP. Participants may also request that ITS provide official certificates for groups of animals which the participant can provide to subsequent owners or agents. ITS may also provide these certificates directly to subsequent owners at the PVP participant’s request.
Why are calving records needed and what type of calving records are acceptable?
(1) Birthdates must be recorded to verify the month/day/year in which calves were born.
(2) Acceptable records include: Red Book, Calendar (where other events are recorded to show authenticity of records), journal entries, working farm notes, or computerized records. Records must be original,
What is the differnce between individual and group calving records?
(1) Individual records are those in which birthdates are recorded for each calf born.
(a) Calves must have an identifier (such as a tag) to match it up with its date of birth.
(b) If individual birthdates are recorded, additional head count support is NOT needed.
(c) Producers are expected to submit complete calving records.
(d) Individual records must be submitted if calves are born year-around.
(2) Group records are those in which only the first and last calves of the calf crop are recorded.
(a) In order, to assure validity of group records, we ask producers also record information such as working dates, and any other dates which pertain to the cow herd or your farm.
(b) If you have multiple calving windows, or you want to divide an extended calving window into multiple calving groups, then you must submit a written procedure detailing how each group is uniquely identified to a first and last calf born within each calving group.
I keep group calving records, what additional information must I submit?
(1) Producers must submit head-count support records as part of the application to help verify the numbers of calves you want to approve.
(2) Acceptable methods include: animal health records, cow inventory records, previous year marketing contracts, pregnancy check records, A.I. records, etc.
(3) If you maintain individual animal calving records, additional head count support is not required.
What is the turn-around time for approval?
If ITS receives complete applications, the turn-around can normally be expected to be 14 days to approval. During busy times of the year (November-January) applications may be delayed. It is recommended to submit applications as soon as the last calf of the season is born.