Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers of how good husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management conditions.

What is the BQA Program?

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.

Visit BQA.org

BQA Certification in New York

To earn a BQA certification, cattle producers and caretakers must either complete a BQA training online or in person and pass a test. BQA certifications are valid for three years from the date the original certification was earned.

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. 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.

BQA In-Person Trainings in New York

In-person learning opportunities are an essential component of the NY BQA program's success. Attendees have an opportunity to learn not only from industry professionals but each other.

A limited number of BQA in-person meetings will be held this fall and winter.

Find BQA IN-Person Trainings in New York

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.

Visit BQA.org Online Training Courses

BQA Re-Certification

Re-certification is required every three years to maintain an active BQA certification. The re-certification online form is available below.

Documentation of Continued Education is required for re-certification. There are multiple ways to earn re-certification continued education credit:

Attend an educational meeting (45 minutes or more) on a topic related to BQA. (Attending an in-person or online BQA Training qualifies)
Individual consultation with your vet covering antibiotic use, drug residues, injections, herd health plan, or other topic at discretion of DVM. DVM must fill out information on bottom of the VCPR form and sign. (NYSCHAP participants: Yearly review with state and local vets is acceptable.)

Submit a BQA RE-Certification Application

Establishing a Valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)

If you have a good relationship with your veterinarian, he or she will be able to help, advise, and guide you to use appropriate medications for your animals. By establishing this relationship, the veterinarian also gains a working knowledge of your management practices. Therefore, your veterinarian can help you make medical judgments, assist you with withdrawal times, your recordkeeping system, and can provide “extra label” drug use when deemed necessary under special circumstances.

An appropriate veterinarian/client/patient relationship will exist when:

The producer (client) may make a diagnosis. The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animals and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or other caretaker) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animals(s). This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animals by virtue of an examination of the animals and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animals are kept.
When the practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy.

A valid VCPR:

Is mandatory if drugs are to be used in an “extra-label” manner on your farm. You need the benefit of a valid VCPR to make sure you are following the veterinarian’s instructions properly.
Emphasizes the word “valid.” Much of this responsibility is on your veterinarian. He or she must visit your facilities routinely to see and be personally acquainted with your animal care. Consult your veterinary clinic for specific requirements.
Is a commitment on your veterinarian’s part. It is important that the veterinarian is available to follow up in cases of adverse reactions or failures of the regimen therapy.