Rancher, feeder and dairy producer participation in the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is a significant factor in building consumer trust in beef. According to veterinarian John Maas, chairman of the checkoff’s Producer Education Committee, consumers see ranchers as people of integrity, but they continue to express concern about where food comes from and how it is produced.
“That’s where BQA comes into play - by instilling a level of competency,” said Maas, who practices in Clarksburg , CA . “By following BQA guidelines, we’re demonstrating to consumers that we’re doing the right thing”
The new, checkoff-funded BQA web site (www.bqa.org) provides training videos and other resources to help ranchers and feeders learn more about proper handling and care. KLA members can become BQA-certified online by completing educational courses on beef quality and safety offered by the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University . To register for the courses, click here.
BQA provides standards and best management practices for high-quality beef production. The science-based protocols are coupled with day-to-day, common sense husbandry practices. BQA raises consumer confidence by demonstrating a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry.