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ISO 14001 Accreditation
In 2003, Agri Beef Co. became the first cattle feeding company to receive ISO 9001
and HACCP certification. ISO promotes an environment of continual process
improvement as our organization strives for operational excellence. The entire
process has been extremely successful and as a result has led to the decision to
integrate similar philosophies to our Environmental Management System. As part of
our efforts to develop long term and company wide environmental conservation
activities, Agri Beef Co. obtained ISO 14001 registration in 2006 that aligned our core policy of environmental stewardship.
Agri Beef Co. recognizes and believes that environmental management is one of our
primary responsibilities. Our experience in ranching and cattle feeding operations
reflects our belief in of the importance of conducting our business in a manner that
reflects responsible stewardship of the environment. The knowledge obtained has
helped shape our policies and practices throughout our entire supply chain. We are
striving to integrate the principles and practices of natural resource conservation
and management as key elements of our business philosophies, corporate culture, and
community relation practices. We assume responsibility for protecting the environment,
complying with relevant laws and regulations, and committing ourselves to continued
improvement primarily in the following areas:
Resource Conservation and Recycling
Agri Beef Co. is dedicated to effectively recycling the natural byproducts created
in our operations. We have allocated resources to achieve this goal and have
encouraged our employees, partners and communities that we operate within to join
us in our efforts.
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In Liberal Kansas, at our Supreme Cattle Feeders we have formed a joint venture
with the Kansas Livestock Association and other individual cattle feeders to develop
alternative marketing options for compost. We have engaged in extensive research to
better understand the nature of compost and its many beneficial uses.
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In Parma Idaho, at our Boise Valley Feeders operation, we have developed relationships
with local nurseries and farmers to utilize compost generated at the facility in
environmentally responsible ways.
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In Toppenish Washington, at our Washington Beef Processing plant, farmers are
utilizing organic matter from our wastewater treatment facility to improve their
cropland. We are also recycling treated wastewater to enhance local grasslands and
pastures. Limiting our use of non-recycled water increases surface irrigation water
for farmers down stream.
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In Moses Lake Washington, at our El Oro Cattle Feeders Facility, we have developed
relationships with Organic Farmers who utilize our natural fertilizer as a means of
producing high quality products.
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In American Falls Idaho, at our Snake River Cattle Feeders operation, we have formed
a joint venture with our corn producers by composting cattle waste from the facility
and applying it to thousands of acres of farm ground.
Energy Conservation
Agri Beef Co. is committed to exploring alternative technologies that reduce energy cost,
promote better management of waste and conserve resources.
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Washington Beef has adapted boiler technology (heat exchange unit) in the rendering
plant to capture steam exhaust. The steam is a highly efficient clean energy source
that is used to heat water for other uses in the plant.
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Washington Beef is participating in an energy efficient equipment program for the
new expansion sponsored by Pacific Power and Cascade Energy Consulting Group.
Washington Beef is committed to exploring new developed technology to reduce its
energy usage.
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Washington Beef, Boise Valley Feeders and Supreme Cattle Feeders have invested in
efficient motor control systems in the mills and water well pumps.
Resource Management
Our goal is to be compliance with all environmental regulations at all times. Through
continual reevaluation and improvement of our Environment Management Systems, as well as
periodic audits by outside third parties, Agri Beef Co. is positioned to achieve this
objective. The following examples demonstrate Agri Beef Co. current monitoring process.
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Agri Beef Co. has operated Snake River Cattle Feeders operation in American Falls
since 1968. The company has always recognized the value of successful environmental
practices as a significant priority at this location. The company’s efforts have
been acknowledged through the receipt of an award that recognizes Water Quality
through Superior waste Management in EPA region 10. The feedlot uses a confinement
barn in part of their operations. The waste generated from the barn is processed by
a completely self-contained unit that separates solids from liquids. The waste from
the facility can then be used in the facility’s general composting operation. Cattle
that are not housed in the confinement barn area are cross-fenced in the summer months
to aid in reduction of dust emissions from the operation. In addition, Snake River
has just received State approval of their Nutrient Management Plan, which outlines a
series of Best Management Practices designed to achieve environmental compliance.
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In Moses Lake Washington, at our El Oro Cattle Feeders Facility, we developed best
management practices to reduce fugitive dust from the cattle feeding operation. These
best management practices are now recognized by the National Resource Conservation
Service as an effective means of controlling dust. David Secrist, the general manager
of the Moses Lake division, is currently serving as a member of the state Livestock
Development and Oversight Committee. Members of this committee are appointed by the
Governor and work with the departments of AG, Ecology and representatives of the
environmental community to develop the nutrient management program for the state.
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In Boise Valley Feeders was constructed in 1998, as part of the environmental
infrastructure we built a state of the art waste handling system. The utilization
of gravity and a series of settling ponds that separates solids from the water. The
water waste handling system has allowed the feedyard to use the recycled water in
other application in the operation. The feedyard has invested significant capital for
a pen sprinkler system to significantly reduce dust emissions. In 2005 the facility
attained approval for its Nutrient Management Plan from ID State Department of
Agriculture, which outlines a series of Best Management Practices designed to achieve
environmental compliance.
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In 2003 Supreme Cattle Feeders worked with KLA Environmental to design a Nutrient
management program. The program addresses a broad spectrum of issues from retention
pond management, crop rotations for nutrient removal and utilization, land application
rates and dewatering.
Education and Employee Involvement
In order to reliably operate and promote the environmental management system, Agri Beef Co.
is striving to enhance a demonstrated commitment to our core value of environmental
stewardship, broaden employees’ knowledge of relevant environmental subjects and increase
employees’ awareness of, and participation in, ongoing environmental programs.
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In 2002, Agri Beef Co.’s Moses Lake Feedyards hosted an educational forum that
allowed employees’, representatives from NRCS, local Conservations districts, the
state department of agriculture and ecology and the general public to tour the
facilities and listen to a presentation regarding air quality and proper management
of livestock nutrients.
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In 2002, Agri Beef Co.’s Moses Lake Feedyards hosted an educational forum that
allowed employees’, representatives from NRCS, local Conservations districts, the
state department of agriculture and ecology and the general public to tour the facilities
and listen to a presentation regarding air quality and proper management. Moses Lake implemented environmental education, self-awareness and training as part of its new employee orientation in May of 2005.
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David Secrist, the general manager of the Moses Lake division, is currently serving as
a member of the state Livestock Development and Oversight Committee. Members of this
committee are appointed by the Governor and work with the departments of AG, Ecology
and representatives of the environmental community to develop the nutrient management
program for the state.
What is ISO?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of
national standards bodies. The object of ISO is to promote the development of
standardization and related activities in the world with a view to facilitating international
exchange of goods and services and to developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual,
scientific, technological and economic activity.
What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is a series of international, voluntary environmental management standards
addressing Environmental Management Systems (EMS). While registration to ISO 14001 is
voluntary, it is becoming increasingly popular due to government interests, customer/supplier
requirements, spiraling waste disposal costs and the public’s interest in knowing what
companies are doing about environmental needs. The purpose of ISO 14001 is to improve the
environmental standards of business through internal auditing, documentation and self-regulation.
It focuses on addressing the issue of environmental protection rather than specific regulations.
What is an EMS?
An Enviromental Management System (EMS) is the use of a systematic approach to plan, control,
measure and improve an organization’s environmental performance. The environmental management
system is built on the “Plan, Do, Check and Act” model to ensure that environmental matters
are systematically identified, controlled and monitored.
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Manage Environmental impacts arising out of its activities, product & services
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Ensures compliance to regulations
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Brings continual improvements
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Demonstrate high environmental performance to others by conforming to policy,
objectives & targets.
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