Shannon Argent of Cremona is the new provincial co-ordinator for the national Verified Beef Production (VBP) program in Alberta. Argent will be managing education and on-farm audit services for cow-calf and feedlot producers participating in the national beef on-farm food safety program.
Formerly an animal health technician, Argent has also worked in both the genetics and communication sectors. She, along with her family, own a cow-calf operation northwest of Calgary. The program is in the midst of adding modules for biosecurity, animal care, and environmental stewardship.
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“There are interesting changes coming and VBP is important to the beef industry,” said Argent.
“Our operation was VBP registered in 2012, meaning a third-party on-farm validation audit was completed to review practices conforming with the program. We feel there is a need to keep up with new developments for beef customers and the interesting additions coming.”
- From the Canadian Cattlemen website: On-farm biosecurity: Keep it practical
The Verified Beef Production program defines industry-sanctioned practices relating to on-farm food safety and soon in other areas. The trademarked program is owned by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, and defines low-cost standard practices for cow-calf, backgrounding and feedlot operations. Practices and expected outcomes are outlined in the VBP Producer Manual, available at verifiedbeef.org.
