We hear the latest on program cattle and are they worth it?  The costs, traceability and even EIT Tags that go along with some program cattle.  Plus we have news you need to hear, markets, horse sales and lots more on this all new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show.  Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 185 DETAILS   PROGRAM CATTLE FROM IMI GLOBAL Beef Verification Programs Explained Third party verification programs can offer potential profits to beef cattle producers. IMI Global offers various programs and certifications to bring the most potential profit to your cattle herd.   Source & Aged Verified Source and Age verification (SAV) by IMI Global requires you to keep records of your first and last calf board date, as well as apply an EID (electronic identification) tag prior to cattle ever leaving your ranch - their source of origin. Source only - US Verified Source verification - is available as well.    Non Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) The NHTC program allows your cattle to be eligible for buyers looking for non-hormone treated cattle, many of which are looking to export beef to the EU. Implants or fed hormone growth promotants (HGPs) of any kind are not allowed. Cattle must move through NHTC approved locations. Examples include implants, Lutalyse, CIDRs, Optaflexx, MGA.    Verified Natural Beef "Natural" is something we see in the marketplace, but it is not a set Standard across the board.  The IMI Global Verified Natural Beef Standard allows buyers to be assured that cattle have never received any Beta-Agonists, Ionophores, Antibiotics or Animal By-Products. Cattle must move through approved VNB approved locations. CARE Certified Where Food Comes From CARE Certified is a suite of sustainability standards that certifies participating farmers and ranchers are implementing best practices in animal care, environmental stewardship and supporting their local communities and the people within them. Beef, pork, poultry, dairy and fish are all available.   Cattle Industry News   ALABAMA BECOMES SECOND STATE TO OUTLAW CULTIVATED MEAT Alabama is now the second state in America where cultivated meat cannot be manufactured or commercialized as Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday signed a bill (SB 23) that includes the cultivated meat ban. Violating the law will be a class C misdemeanor, which carries the possibility of up to a three-month jail sentence and a fine of $500. The new law takes effect October 1, 2024. Florida became the first state to pass such a ban earlier this month, with Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill (SB 1084) into law on May 1, 2024.   PROPOSALS FINALLY SEEN ON FARM BILL After months of waiting, there is movement on farm bill legislation in Congress. On May 2, 2024, both the House and Senate provided farm bill proposals. The USDA has been operating on a 1-year extension of the 2018 farm bill. That is set to expire on Sept. 30. Areas taking top priority in the two bills are conservation, nutrition programs, and energy alternatives and incentives. Deeper in the proposals, emphasis is placed on beginning farmers and ranchers. Lending is of concern with such high-interest rates and lack of credit options. Under the credit title in the House’s farm bill proposal, finance options are enhanced for new, young, beginning or veteran farmers. It also gives focus to commercial lenders’ ability to be a reliable source of credit and capital.    YET ANOTHER NEGATIVE QUARTER FOR BEYOND MEAT Beyond Meat reported another sharp decline in revenues for its first fiscal quarter, and net losses that were slightly improved from the same period a year ago. The company reported top-line revenues down 18%.   STRONG FRESH MEAT SALES IN APRIL In an April study among 1,700 U.S. consumers, 210 Analytics found that 34% of consumers are worse off financially now than they were one year ago. However year to date, fresh meat sales continue to increase by 1