Above: Consumers demand the very best of what beef producers have to offer. They want the best quality, they want to know that the beef they buy is safe, and they want to know that it was raised with the highest standards of animal welfare. The Beef Quality Assurance program, established nationally in 1987, does that and more. Clayton Blanthorn doctors a calf for foot rot in Lamoille.
Above: On Dec. 12, Wendy’s unveiled its sustainability initiatives, which will change how the company sources meat for its iconic square-shaped fresh beef patties in the upcoming years. According to a statement released by Wendy’s Corporation, “Wendy’s is proud to be the first restaurant chain to partner with the Progressive Beef program, an innovative animal care and sustainability program that is built on industry-leading best practices and third-party verification. “Adoption of this program will be implemented in a significant part of its beef supply starting in 2019, with at least 50% by 2021, further delivering on Wendy’s commitment to enhanced beef supply chain accountability, transparency and traceability.” This has prompted packers to source their fed cattle from BAQ-certified feed yards. Mound Valley 4-H member Trent Whiteley demonstrates the different types shots that are BQA approved and how they are administered on his yearling heifer “Rocket.”
Below: BQA protocols have been the push behind the industry reducing carcass blemishes, injection-site lesions and other quality defects. But BQA also has gone a long way in helping consumers understand how seriously beef producers take their job of producing safe, wholesome, quality beef. Cowboys doctor a sick calf on the Maggie Creek Ranch. Above: BQA should include everyone on the ranch. Teaching our children how to properly handle livestock, and how to administer vaccines properly is chief.
At Left: Julio and Ofelia Ordonez process freshly weaned heifer calves through the chute at weaning.
At Right: According to Meat Myth Crushers, “It is true that more antibiotics are used in animals than humans, but there are far more animals in the U.S. than people. There are more than 90 million cattle, 5.3 million sheep and lamb, 66 million hogs, 200 million turkeys and 8 billion chickens on U.S. farms. Just like when humans get sick, livestock should have access to antibiotics as needed. Mountain City ranchers Alex and Ashton Vipham vaccinate calves at branding time to help prevent respiratory issues.
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