Livestock producers should be knowledgeable about diseases and the antimicrobials and biologics (vaccines) they use to prevent, treat, and control disease in animals. Their role is essential to ensure the health and productivity of livestock and ensure consumer confidence in food products. Producers are also responsible for management factors, including sanitation, which should be included in the treatment regime of diseases. Producers/owners and their employees must only use government approved drugs and administer them according to label directions. Withdrawal periods must be strictly observed. Extra-label use of drugs is illegal by a lay person and subject to regulatory action. Producers may not resell prescription drugs.

Producers are encouraged to work with a licensed veterinarian to develop and maintain a herd health program which should include training on identification of diseases, appropriate prevention, treatment and control regimes, and adequate record keeping of all events. Producers are also encouraged to contact their herd veterinarian if they are aware of any misuse or illegal sale of veterinary drugs and biologics which has the potential to damage the credibility of the entire beef industry in the eyes of the public consumer.