The FDA is implementing a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) that also includes a directive focused on the inclusion of medications in feed. The process has identified specific medications that can no longer be included in feed without a prescription from a veterinarian.

What are the new regulations? The official title is Veterinary Feed Directive, commonly referred to as VFD.

What is the intent of the new regulations? As the proper use of medications in feed has changed and will now need a prescription from a veterinarian, the VFD has identified specific medications that can no longer be included in feed without a VFD from a veterinarian.

What does this mean for Grange Co-op customers? After January 1, 2017, customers that need to use a feed-through or water soluble antibiotic will need to have a written VFD from a licensed veterinarian. Customers will be responsible for following the veterinarian’s directions on the proper use of the medicated product.

Fortunately, this will have a very limited effect on Rogue Feeds, as Rogue Pig Starter is the only feed we manufacture with a VFD medication added to the formula. Beginning January 1, 2017 we will no longer offer Rogue Pig Starter with a restricted medication included in the list of VFD medications. In the meantime, we will diligently look for an additive not included on the VFD list that will also provide a benefit to baby pigs at this stage of their life cycle.

Some additional feeds sold by Grange Co-op that are made by other companies will be affected by this directive. Our buyers are working to come up with solutions and options that will work best for Grange Co-op and our customers.

What does this mean for Grange Co-op? Grange Co-op will follow all Federal and State mandates for the use of medicated feeds.

As of now, we are in the process of identifying all products we currently carry that will be affected. We are also in the process of deciding how we can best serve our customers when the regulations go into effect. As plans are formalized, we will issue more updates to keep you informed.

Detailed information is available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/search?conditions%5Bregulation_id_number%5D=0910-AG95&order=newest&quiet=true