Benefits of our BQA (Beef Quality Assurance) Training and Certification

We proudly announce that all(!) High Choice Feeders employees are now BQA (Beef Quality Assurance) certified. BQA certification as a beef producer is a crucial indicator of our commitment to excellence but let us take a step back to learn what that really means.

The BQA program, which unites animal scientists, veterinarians, feed suppliers, animal health companies, packers, retailers and state and federal regulators with producers has been around for more than 30 years. More than 45 states participate in the program encouraging the use of the latest science and technology to meet and exceed consumer expectations about beef quality and safety.

“Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how common-sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA guidelines are designed to make certain all beef consumers can take pride in what they purchase – and can trust and have confidence in the entire beef industry.”  – Qba.com

Why Become Certified?

This certification means our Strategy for Success approach aligns with best BQA management practices. This relates to the quality of the meat, but also to the sustainable care of the cattle. It means we are committed to:

• Food safety and quality.
• Safeguarding the public image of the beef industry.
• Upholding consumer confidence in valuable beef products.
• Improving sale value of marketed beef cattle.
• Enhancing herd profitability through better management.

Since the certification requirements vary by state, the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) published the Kansas BQA Manual: “Since its inception in the early 1980s the Kansas Beef Quality Assurance program has been a cooperative effort between beef producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, extension staff and other professionals from the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas State University, the Kansas Beef Council and the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA).” The BQA Manual addresses the following topics, processes and more:

• Beef Quality Audits
• Feedstuffs
• Feed Additives, Medications
• Processing/Treatment & Records
• Injection Site Management
• Care & Husbandry Practices
• Industry Issues
• Potential Disease/Infectious Risk

Quality Control Points

The manual establishes a system of control points to help BQA certified members identify material quality management topics for respective processes. Each control point establishes record keeping procedures, best practices, critical limits and corrective actions. For example, the control points “calving” and “receiving breeding or stocker cattle” connect the process “prevention and treatment of health disorders” with vital topics and issues like “injection-site blemishes” and “antibiotics residues”. Quality control points establish management steps and controls to limit hazards and to identify opportunities for process improvements.

The face-to-face training session strengthens our commitment to meet best industry practices for our customers and their cattle.