Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how common-sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA guidelines are designed to make certain all beef consumers can take pride in what they purchase – and can trust and have confidence in the entire beef industry.

BQA programs have evolved to include best practices around good record keeping and protecting herd health, which can result in more profits for producers. When better quality cows leave the farm and reach the marketplace, the producer, packer, and consumer all benefit. When better quality beef reaches the supermarket, consumers are more confident in the beef they are buying, and this increases beef consumption.

The efforts of BQA across the nation have been instrumental in recent successes that continue to re-build and sustain beef demand. Through BQA programs, producers recognize the economic value of committing to quality beef production at every level - not just at the feedlot or packing plant, but within every segment of the cattle industry.

Programs like BQA do more than just help beef producers capture more value from their market cattle: BQA also reflects a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they assure their market steers, heifers, cows, and bulls are the best they can be. Today, the stakes are even higher because of increased public attention on animal welfare. Valuable benefits of BQA for producers:

· Demonstrates commitment to food safety and quality.

· Safeguards the public image of the beef and dairy industry.

· Upholds consumer confidence in valuable beef products.

· Improves sale value of marketed beef cattle.

· Enhances herd profitability through better management.

Whether we appreciate it or not, we must accept the fact that part of the freedom’s we are granted include “food freedom”, the choice to eat, or more relatable to this topic, not eat, what we want. This includes beef. By utilizing resources available like BQA, beef producers and consumers alike can gain insight on the importance of proper beef production from day one.

Many consumers have either never heard of Beef Quality Assurance, or simply don’t realize it is available to them because they don’t actively work in the beef industry. The value added to marketed beef through programs like BQA only benefits from promoting its quality and consistent honesty about where beef comes from.

Everyone involved in the beef industry should participate in BQA. Telling the story of beef, how it is safely and humanely produced, is the responsibility of all producers and BQA is a great platform to begin those discussions with consumers about the safe, wholesome protein we are providing. From one head to 100,000 head, there is no head count requirement for the program. In fact, with the industry predominately made up of herds that number 40 head or fewer, the BQA program has the greatest opportunity for growth in smaller herds.

If you, or somebody you know is ready to take the next step as an advocate and leader for the beef industry equipped with the tools to have constructive conversations with the consumer, make sound decisions on your operation, assist your family with record keeping and much more it’s time to get your BQA certification. Visit the BQA Certification Page.

Duration: 2-4 Hours

Instructor: BQA Trained Instructor

Duration: 2-3 Hours