Understanding the VBP+ on-farm assessment

When a producer decides to get certified with the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) Program, they go through an on-farm assessment to confirm that they are meeting the requirements of the VBP+ standard. This process can sound intimidating but is really designed to help producers succeed and make the most of their certification.

What is the on-farm assessment?

The on-farm assessment (previously known as audit) consists of a visit to the farm by a third-party assessor. When an assessor comes to the farm, they will walk through the key areas of the farm with you, including cattle pens, processing areas, feed and medication storage, and calving facilities. The assessor will also look over the key records that producers keep as part of the VBP+ program, making sure that they include all of the required components for the program.

The assessment is meant to feel conversational. Assessors are there to understand how your operation works and listen to the expert on your farm—you!

“For many producers, the VBP+ on-farm assessment feels like touring a neighbour through the farm,” says Shannon Argent, VBP+ Business Manager and a VBP+ certified producer. “The process is designed to celebrate all of the successful practices and tools producers have implemented and identify areas where risks could be reduced.”

Dan Skeels of Anchor D Ranch Simmentals completed their on-farm assessment last fall. “Our assessor was very complimentary about what we do,” says Dan. “He was great and really helpful.”

When an assessor is assigned to your farm, they will reach out to you to arrange a time for the assessment that works for you. They will also confirm any biosecurity protocols that you may have for visitors coming to your operation to make sure they are respecting the way your operation runs.

What happens after an on-farm assessment?

After the assessor visits the farm, they will complete a report of their findings. The results of the report are kept between the VBP+ program and the producer, and are intended to help the producer identify the areas they are excelling in and places they may want to dive further into to improve.

“The on-farm assessment is not a pass or fail evaluation,” says Shannon. “If an assessor identifies an area where the operation is not meeting a requirement of the VBP+ standard, they will issue what is called a corrective action request (CAR). The assessor will explain the areas where a producer may need to adjust their record-keeping or practices to meet the program requirements, and the producer will be given time to implement those changes.”

The program is not designed to be prescriptive and allows producers to design their own processes and management practices to meet the program. A good example of this approach is treatment records. While VBP+ offers templates that include all of the required information, producers are not required to use these templates. If your notebook, spreadsheet, iPhone, or herd management software are working well for you, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. The assessor will work to understand your systems, not impose one upon you.

“The program to us is common sense,” says Dan. “If you’re new to the program, I would say there’s no need to overthink it. It’s probably what you practice everyday. It’s important that our industry is transparent and that we are able to show people what we do everyday for a living.”

Who are the assessors?

The assessor assigned to your operation is there to help you succeed. While they cannot provide coaching or help you implement the VBP+ standard, they are more than willing to answer questions about the requirements of the program. Assessor Deborah Armstrong and her husband were among the first group of ranchers certified with the Verified Beef Program on their cow/calf operation. “I commend the fact that the VBP+ program is built by producers for producers,” says Deborah. “Assessors, as ranchers themselves, have a sound knowledge of the industry and understand the practical aspects of everyday ranching. For me, being an assessor is an important way to recognize the hard work and commitment of producers.”

“Many of our on-farm assessors are producers themselves,” says Shannon. They are there to help fellow producers and their operations succeed.”

How do I get certified?

Producers who are interested in completing an on-farm assessment to pursue VBP+ certification can contact VBP+ Delivery Services Inc. to submit an application. Find contact information and more details on the certification process on verifiedbeef.ca under the Certification tab.

This article was first published in Volume 5 Issue 2 of ABP Magazine (May 2025). To access the full digital magazine or subscribe to the print edition, click here.