http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Certified-Cattle-Could-Bring-Higher-Premiums-To-Southern-Illinois-Ranchers/2010-04-06/Article_HotTopics.aspx?oid=1035912&fid=VN-ANIMAL_IDENTIFICATION&aid=760

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This article really caught my eye because it is directly related to the cattle market in the southern Illinois area and was published by U of I.  The article discusses how if cattle ranchers can verify where and when cattle are born, they can charge a premium price.  The program is called the Processed Verified Program and is one of the first steps in several for ranchers to add value to their cattle.  This would be huge as I learned in class that the livestock producers add very little value to the end product that is produced.  I think that if cattle producers can do this, it would be huge for the industry.  People are very concerned with where their food comes from and this program is just one more way to do that.  With all the debate about the treatment of animals I believe that this will help the consumer feel more connected to the farmer and maybe not be so quick to jump the gun about livestock management.