BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE: WHY IT MATTERS TO ALL PRODUCERS

By A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS, Associate Professor, Beef Extension Veterinarian, Kansas State University

The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program has evolved over the years. What began as an educational program to increase consistent beef quality and safety has transformed into the industry guided and implemented cattle producer’s continuing education. Guidance for the BQA program has been driven by periodic National Beef Quality Audits and industry input. In the earlier years, the focus was on injection site lesions and volatile residue issues. Today, the BQA program functions as a nationally coordinat ed, state implemented, voluntary program that provides up to date Best Management Practices for all aspects of beef cattle production. Eighty-five percent of all U.S. beef comes from BQAcertified farmers and ranchers.

Every cattle producer, regardless of where they are in the production chain, serves our beef purchasing and consuming customers. The US beef industry produces a high-quality wholesome product that is sold to every economic demographic in the United States and is often toted as the “King of Meats”. However, our consuming public in today’s age are most likely multiple generations removed from the family farm. This means that our average consumer may not have any understanding of how we raise cattle. The continuous Consumer Beef Tracker (funded by the Beef Checkoff) helps provide insight on what consumer perceptions are toward the beef we produce and how we do it. From that data, only 27% of consumers claim to be familiar with how cattle are raised for food. While consumers generally have a positive perception of beef (69%), perceptions on how we raise cattle for food are much lower with only a 46% positive perception. Of those that have concerns about cattle production, the main reason is overwhelmingly animal welfare (42%). In comparison, other key areas of concern we often hear about such as hormones, environment, and antibiotics were much lower on the list at 7%, 5%, and 5%, respectively. A recent research project (2019) was conducted to gauge those same consumer perceptions after learning about the BQA program. Positive consumer perception of how cattle are raised increased from 44% to 70% after learning about BQA. Continuing education is highly regarded in today's society and is typically reserved for certain professional fields such as medicine. Consumers’ confidence rises when they learn that the people who raise their food share a similar degree of dedication towards their profession.

While BQA does have very positive benefits in our consumers’ eyes, there are more direct reasons cattle producers should embrace the program. A 2019 study that Colorado State University conducted sought to quantify calf premiums from cattle sold by BQA certified producers. From 8,815 video auction lots sold on Western Video Market between 2010 and 2017, a premium was detected of $16.80/head that had BQA listed in the lot description.

Cattle producers’ commitment to the care and wellbeing of their animals 7 days a week, 365 days a year, through blizzards and droughts, showcases the pride they take in their work. BQA certification takes that commitment a step further in earning a certification that is recognized by buyers, fellow producers, and even our consumers. Certifications are valid for three years and can be obtained either through in-person trainings that are conducted by state BQA coordinators, or at any time through online modules. BQA certification trainings are an opportunity to learn practical tips and tidbits to improve from where you are today for a better tomorrow. Training provides the framework to improve upon stockmanship and handling, simple facility upgrades, animal health and wellbeing, record keeping, nutrition, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, emergency action planning, and even transportation. If there are areas of your operation you would like to improve, chances are the BQA program, educators, or the BQA Manual can help facilitate those improvements. Don’t know where to start? There are even self-assessment tools that any producer can utilize to take a close look at their own operation and find areas to focus upon.

Contact information for state coordinators, online manuals, self-assessments, and online training certification modules can all be found at bqa.org. When it comes to raising cattle, the right way is the only way.

A.J. Tarpoff was born and raised in Edwardsville, Illinois. A.J.'s family owned and operated a beef processing plant and a steakhouse. He received his B.S. in Animal Science at Kansas State University in 2010. In 2012, he received his D.V.M. and M.S. in Biomedical Science at Kansas State University. He spent four years in feedlot production practice before returning to his alma mater to serve as the Beef Extension Veterinarian in Kansas. A.J. has a 70% extension, 20% research, and 10% teaching appointment. He works closely with producers, practicing veterinarians, and members of industry to bring relevant extension and education that improves cattle health and the productivity of the beef industry.

This article has been translated to Spanish on page 58.