WOOSTER, OHIO — Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) announced on Sept. 7 that it would start the Ranch to Table initiative, which is a partnership between the brand and cattle operations that gives ranchers a chance to use the CAB reputation to gain exposure.

“Many Angus ranchers take a tremendous amount of pride when they see the Certified Angus Beef logo on product, whether it’s in their local grocery store or on a restaurant menu,” said Kara Lee, director of producer engagement for CAB. “This is just another way for them to continue to have equity in the brand by being able to hang brand standards on those cattle that ultimately qualify.”

To qualify for the program, ranchers must register with Angus genetics, which requires American Angus Association active membership or proof of bull registration. Producers must also be Beef Quality Assurance certified.

“One of the beautiful things about the Ranch to Table program is that the end product itself is going to be just as consistent with the end product of other traditional CAB outlets,” Lee said. “So, we are not compromising on any of our brand standards.”

Cattle involved with the program must meet CAB’s live animal evaluation with a predominately solid-black hide. Additionally, carcasses must meet CAB’s 10 specifications.

In the program, licensed producers work with a processor and USDA grader to verify that brand specifications are met.

“For some, direct-to-consumer beef merchandising is an expanded financial opportunity,” Lee said. “Perhaps it’s the opportunity for the next generation to come back and join the family business. A lot of members have years of carcass data that supports the quality of the cattle they are raising. Previously, we didn’t have an infrastructure that allowed them to access CAB-brand merchandising, and the Ranch to Table initiative allows us to do just that.”