Celebrating Success with the Verified Beef Production Plus Program

By Karen Smith, PAg, Agricultural Programs Specialist, Tisdale

Industry standards provide consistency and give the public confidence that industry is doing the right thing. In the livestock sector, there are several ways producers can demonstrate they are meeting industry standards for animal care and implementing environmentally-sustainable practices.

The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program is recognized Canada-wide as a program that helps verify beef producers are meeting industry standards for on-farm food safety, animal care, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. This voluntary program confirms responsible production practices and shows producers are committed to providing top quality care to their livestock while following the highest environmental standards.

Not only does the program help build public trust in the livestock industry, but the training also helps producers improve their operations.

“The VBP+ training is an opportunity for beef producers to learn many beneficial management practices,” explains Erika Stewart, Saskatchewan Provincial VBP+ Coordinator. “They can take practices back to their operations and implement based on their own unique needs and constraints.”

VBP+ was developed in 2016 as an expansion to the original Verified Beef Production program, created 12 years prior. Producers who enrol in VBP+ training and certification gain valuable information on topics that include on-farm food safety, record keeping, environmental stewardship and biosecurity. They also learn about important management tools and resources. The program has seen a continual increase in uptake as producers recognize its multiple benefits. In the first half of 2025, 105 producers received formal training, 19 operations received first-time certification, and 36 more completed their re-certification. In addition, as of September 1, there were more active VBP+ certified operations in Saskatchewan than any other province.

“Having operations across Canada volunteer to become certified and welcome an auditor onto their operation to verify their practices has intrinsic value,” Stewart adds. “It provides a platform to talk about positive management practices in the beef industry. Programs like VBP+ provide the Canadian Beef Industry’s consumer-facing programs like Canada Beef and Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef good stories to share. Some producers also feel the value of certification is keeping the industry vibrant and relevant for the next generation.”

The success of the VBP+ program involves many aspects. Over the past few years, Stewart has partnered with Ministry of Agriculture staff, as well as the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, to host workshops.

“Collaborative relationships are mutually beneficial because when we work together, we can help target a larger audience and organize a successful event. This results in more producers becoming VBP+ trained and certified in Saskatchewan and having knowledge of the different programs available,” Stewart adds.

Producers have the option of taking the training online any time or attending an in-person workshop. Stewart encourages producers to reach out if they would like to see an in-person workshop organized in their area.

The program has monetary incentives, with both Cargill and Farm Credit Canada offering benefits to cattle operations that are VBP+ certified. The VBP+ program is also an integral part of the Animal Health and Biosecurity Program through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. This program is designed to improve the understanding of livestock biosecurity and animal welfare needs while encouraging the use of best practices on every livestock operation.

The program is open to a variety of livestock sectors, including beef cattle. Beef cattle producers who meet program eligibility requirements will also need to have a Premises Identification (PID) number and a signed vet client-patient relationship form. There are two streams within the program. The training stream allows producers to complete a training workshop with VBP+ and have access to up to $2,500 for rebates on eligible expenses and equipment at a 50/50 cost share. The certification stream gives producers the option to complete an on-site farm audit with VBP+ which gives producers access to an additional $12,500 in rebate funding. Eligible expenses include things like portable handling equipment, segregation pens, remote surveillance for calving or water monitoring and much more.

Looking forward, Stewart hopes to see the VBP+ program continue to grow while maintaining value to those already certified. Producers who are interested in learning more or becoming certified can reach out to Stewart at 306‑774‑2220. Ministry specialists can also connect you with the VBP+ program and answer questions related to the Animal Health and Biosecurity Program. For more information, reach out to your regional agricultural programs specialist through the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 or visit the Sustainable CAP section of this website.