2025 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Awards

The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) celebrated four outstanding Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) award recipients during the 2025 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention, held Tuesday, December 16, at the Prairie Meadows Convention Center.

The awards ceremony recognized cattle producers and industry leaders who exemplify excellence in cattle care, stewardship, and continuous improvement through their commitment to BQA principles.

For more than three decades, Beef Quality Assurance has been a flagship program of the Beef Checkoff, driving industry advancement through science-based standards, benchmarking, and best management practices.

It's incredible how producers have harnessed advancements in feed, technology, cattle care, pharmaceuticals, and genetics to continue moving the needle forward,” said IBIC Director of Industry Relations Casey Anderson. “Producers have listened to consumer signals around taste and eating experience, which has resulted in unprecedented demand for beef.”

The Iowa BQA awards honor producers and industry partners who are nominated by their peers fellow cattlemen and women who witness firsthand the leadership, innovation and dedication these operations bring to the beef industry every day. 

2025 IOWA BQA AUCTION MARKET AWARD
Equity Cooperative Northeast Iowa Waukon - Waukon, Iowa

Equity Cooperative Northeast Iowa Waukon was recognized for its unwavering commitment to low-stress cattle handling and exceptional customer service. The market’s mission extends beyond efficiently moving cattle through the ring—it prioritizes positive animal experiences while showcasing customers’ livestock at its best.

Serving Northeast Iowa's beef community with four field staff and a dedicated market team, Equity Cooperative specializes in fed cattle, dairy cross, feeder cattle, and cow sales. Their approach demonstrates that strong business performance and compassionate cattle care go hand in hand.