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USDA Approves Micro Beef Technologies’ Multi-species Animal Traceability Database

Amarillo, Texas (November 1, 2006) – Micro Beef Technologies, Ltd. a privately held innovation-based information management systems integrator has been approved as an interim Animal Tracking Database by USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for implementation of a voluntary National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The USDA approval follows an extensive independent review of Micro Beef’s patented database system and secure, state-of-the-art data center. The database is now operational for producers looking for a secure and confidential database to register their animals, either in anticipation of a National Animal Identification System (NAIS) or for an age or source verified program.

“Protecting the health of our nation’s livestock industry, while meeting producers’ needs and creating economic value for their operations, has been the life’s work of our company. We’ve worked closely with our customers, state and federal health officials and numerous animal species groups in developing the most comprehensive database solution in the industry,” said Mark Shaw, CEO of Micro Beef. “This database provides producers with what they’ve been asking for … a private sector system that protects their interests.”

In creating this system, Micro Beef collaborated with representatives from industry and livestock species groups to develop a shared vision for how a national database system can and should function. This inclusive, multi-species group has held multiple meetings to discuss the individual needs of each species group and to define common goals.

The group was clear that the system must be flexible enough to achieve multiple objectives. Not only does the database need to meet the regulatory requirements of a NAIS, but it also must build confidence in the nation’s food safety systems to protect and grow export markets.

Ensuring a flexible yet functional database infrastructure exists when producers are ready to implement NAIS has been a chief objective according to Micro Beef Chairman and Founder, Bill Pratt.

“We understand how important it is to protect producers’ interests and the need for confidentiality, while still having a system that works at the speed of commerce,” said Pratt.  “The insights from the species focus group have been valuable in fine-tuning this system and we look forward to continuing to partner with the industry and with USDA in this effort.”

Providing the industry with useful tools that meet the needs of farmers, ranchers, markets, feeders and processors is not new to Micro Beef. Throughout the history of the company Micro Beef’s expertise has resulted in more than 20 useful inventions for animal agriculture including individual animal and group managed track-trace solutions virtually identical to NAIS. Micro brings more than 35 years of experience in the livestock industry and more than 20 years using electronic animal identification technologies.

“We have a solid track record of defending producer interests and providing solutions that increase the profitability of livestock operations.  These systems also enable compliance with regulatory systems,” says Shaw. “Our broad portfolio and secure infrastructure have been strategically developed to help livestock producers of all sizes and species to be able to simply implement animal ID programs for multiple purposes.”

Micro Beef has dedicated the focus and resources required to unlock the value of the NAIS and traceability for U.S. farmers, ranchers and other livestock producers.  This powerful solution is available today for producers wanting to get on board with NAIS or who want to enhance their marketing opportunities by participating in age, source or process verification programs. Producers can register their premise if they don’t have a premises number or register individual animals at www.microbeef.com/animal_traceback or contacting Betty Haley at 806.372.2369 for more information.

“One of the most powerful outcomes will be continuing to work with species groups, states, and USDA to unify behind common goals and a common roadmap.  We are looking forward to demonstrating how this comprehensive national database can address the issues of all industry stakeholders,” said Shaw.