Live Animal Requirements - AAA – Live Animal Specification (pdf)

USDA Certified Information - G-18 Specification (pdf), effective February 2025

Program Contact

David Jacobs
Quality Assurance Manager
STX Beef Company
Work Phone: 361-241-5000 Ext 130 or
Toll Free: 1-800-242-4142 Ext 130

1. What is the difference between a petition and a referendum?

A petition authorized by the Beef Research and Information Act (Beef Act) (7 U.S.C. 2901-2911), is a formal written request from eligible beef producers for the Secretary to hold a referendum on the Beef Order.  If a petition receives the required number of valid signatures, the Secretary will consider whether to publish referendum procedures and hold a referendum. In a referendum, eligible individuals/organizations would vote to determine if the Beef Order would be terminated or suspended.