Beef quality assurance
The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program’s mission is to guide producers towards continuous improvement using science-based production practices. The nationally coordinated, state-implemented certification program focuses on cattle well-being, beef quality and safety. Funded by the Beef Checkoff, BQA programs cover cattle handling, facility management, cattle transportation, good record keeping and protecting herd health. These practices lead to better outcomes for cattle and producers, improving the production of beef and enhancing consumer trust and acceptance.
Consumer market research shows they consider animal welfare when making beef purchasing decisions. BQA answers their questions of how cattle are raised for food. Videos about how cattle are raised using BQA principles resonate well with consumer audiences.
BQA CERTIFICATION IN New York
- Online: Visit www.bqa.org to complete your online certification. Once you’ve logged into the website and selected a course, you can work through each lesson at your own pace. The website will keep track of your progress, so you don’t need to complete the entire course at one time. If you need help with getting logged into the system, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact one of Wisconsin’s BQA Coordinators below.
- In-person: A limited number of BQA in-person meetings will be held this fall and winter. Those dates & locations can be found HERE. If you have questions about certification, contact the BQA Coordinator, Chrissy Claudio.
- Continuing Education: BQA now offers Continuing Education (CE) as an option to renew a BQA certification. All BQA CE courses provide a deeper dive into topics within the BQA manual. A producer can participate in CE online at www.bqa.org or by attending an educational program offered by Cooperative Extension that provides CE credits. To renew a BQA certification through CE, a producer must obtain three CE credits before their BQA certificate expires. CE is available only to producers renewing a BQA certificate.
in person
A limited number of BQA in-person meetings will be held this fall and winter.
ONLINE BQA TRAINING
With 24/7 access to the online courses, you can learn and get certified when and where it works best for you.
BQA TRANSPORTATION TRAINING
This training is designed for cattle transporters and farmers. The training reviews proper handling and transport of cattle which can reduce sickness in calves, prevent bruises, and improve the quality of the meat from those animals.