BQA, or Beef Quality Assurance, is a program that is promoted by the USDA, Cooperative Extension, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, state cattlemen's associations, and basically all of the beef industry. The program provides training to beef cattle producers in food safety, proper cattle handling techniques, proper handling of animal health products, proper injection sites, and record keeping. Once a producer is trained, he or she will receive a certificate or card verifying the BQA certification. The goal of this program is to maximize consumer confidence and acceptance of beef by focusing the producer's attention to daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness, and quality of beef and beef products.
Many beef cattle buyers, feeders, packers, and retail outlets are requiring that the beef they purchase be produced by BQA certified cattle producers. Also, most "added value" sale opportunities for feeder and stocker cattle require BQA certification. For more information on BQA certification contact your local cooperative extension office or cattlemen's association.

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