The Rural Voice, 2004-07, Page 30The stamp of quality
The Source Qualified Ontario Calf program gives
producers an edge even
in todag's terrible, post -BSE markets
Story and photos by Bonnie Gropp
26 THE RURAL VOICE
Dave Wheeler feels the Source
Qualified Ontario Calf program is a
step forward. (Below left) SQOC
tags help with age verification.
There's a huge irony to the crisis
in the beef industry. With
borders closed to the export of
most of the Canadian beef market,
the standards for top quality have
probably never been higher.
Part of this is the Source Qualified
Ontario Calf (SQOC) program. Dave
Wheeler, a certified SQOC feedlot
owner from the Brussels area, feels
it's a good thing for the industry.
"I'm not saying it's perfect but it's
the best program thus far."
SQOC was initiated by BIO and
the Ontario Cattleman's Assocation
last fall. The brand label calves are
marked with an orange ear tag that
guarantees several facts.
The animals will be age and source
verified, their genetics will be
known. There will also be process
verification such as the usual
castration and dehorning and the
more unique total cow herd
vaccination for BVD.
"Anytime you see a tag with
SQOC, there will be things you
should know about that calf," said
Beef Improvement Ontario's (BIO)
Brian Pogue.
One of these is the age verification.