The International Brangus Breeders Association Launches OptimaxX

San Antonio, TX, May 15, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The International Brangus® Breeders Association (IBBA) has launched a USDA genetics, source and age verification program, OptimaxX. As of May 5, 2008, USDA has approved IBBA to begin enrolling producers in the program and issuing the official OptimaxX tag with the USDA "Process Verified" shield.

The OptimaxX program is a direct result of the renewed commitment on the part of Brangus breeders to service the commercial beef industry with value adding products. OptimaxX calves will not only be source and age verified, but also Brangus verified. Verifying the Brangus content of the calves adds another layer of valuable information for the buyer over a generic source and age verification program. Progeny of Brangus, Red Brangus™, Ultrablack, Ultrared and Certified animals that are properly recorded with IBBA are eligible for the OptimaxX program.

The OptimaxX tag will provide access to current marketing avenues for age and source verified calves, as well as, future market access programs developed specifically for Brangus-influenced calves. The only direct cost to a commercial producer to access the program and these marketing opportunities will be the cost of the OptimaxX tag, $1.25 for the visual tag and $3.25 for a paired visual and electronic tag. Data management services required to comply with USDA requirements will be provided by the IBBA at no charge to the producer. The IBBA will also maintain pertinent marketing information (backgrounding, preconditioning, etc.) as provided by the producer of the calves in an internet database for easy access by potential buyers.

Contact your Brangus/Red Brangus seedstock supplier or the IBBA at (210) 696-8231 or log onto http://www.int-brangus.org for more information on the OptimaxX program. For more information on USDA Process Verified Programs, log on to http://processverified.usda.gov/.

###