BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- North Dakota's Agriculture Department is offering ranchers a voluntary registry they can use to prove the age and birthplace of their livestock.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring (GOHR'-ing) says some countries, including South Korea and Japan, require age and source verification of imported beef. Goehring says there's also some demand among American beef consumers for the information.

Goehring says the program requires some increased record keeping. It supplies radio and ear tags to put on beef cattle. The cost is less than $5 a head, and Goehring says a rancher can register a herd instead of individual cows.

Goehring says ranchers who enroll livestock in the program may be able to get a better price for them.

Copyright 2010 The AP.