At AgUnited, we know that every glass of milk, carton of eggs and package of meat starts with decisions made on South Dakota farms and ranches. Our state’s producers work every day to provide clean facilities, humane handling, proper nutrition and proven health protocols because that’s how we raise healthy animals and deliver safe, high-quality food.
AgUnited Brings Farmers Together
As a coalition of farm organizations representing cattle, dairy, pork, poultry and other producers, AgUnited is committed to helping consumers understand how livestock are cared for on farms and ranches across our state. Each segment of animal agriculture in South Dakota follows its own quality assurance and health programs designed to protect animal well-being while boosting our confidence in our food supply.
Here are a few examples of these programs. Please follow the links for more information.
Beef – Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
Pork – Pork Quality Assurance (PQA)
Dairy - Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM)
Poultry - United Egg Producers' 5 Star Egg Safety Program
Keeping Animals Healthy
State animal health leadership also plays a role in keeping livestock healthy. The South Dakota Animal Industry Board is responsible for protecting and preserving the health of the State’s livestock through disease control efforts, surveillance programs and livestock
inspection — all aimed at enhancing productivity and providing safe products for the public.
By partnering with veterinarians, leveraging preventive care such as vaccination and biosecurity and monitoring animal health daily, South Dakota farmers help reduce the risk of illness on the farm and contribute to a food system that we all can trust.
Ready to Learn More?
To learn more about South Dakota agriculture and how our farmers raise animals with care, follow us on our social media channels.