ONLINE KY BEEF QUALITY AND CARE ASSURANCE (BQCA) CERTIFICATION
What is Beef Quality Assurance?
The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program’s mission is to maximize consumer confidence in 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 through the use of science, research and education initiatives.
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Content includes:
Cattle and Herd Health Feedstuffs and Sources Biosecurity Feed Additives and Medications Record-keeping Cattle Care and Husbandry Stockmanship Antibiotic Management Resources Cattle Handling & Care |
BQA is valuable because it:
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Why Beef Quality Assurance? |
BQA Handling Techniques |
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In 1980, because of beef safety concerns, beef producers been investigating ways to ensure that their production practices would pass the scrutiny of the consumer.
Every four years, starting in 1991, National Beef Quality Audits are conducted to deliver a set of guideposts and measurements for helping cattle producers and others determine quality conformance of the U.S. beef supply. 2016 National BQA Audit Quality Challenges: (ranked according to priority) •Food Safety •Eating Satisfaction •Lean Fat and Bone •Weight and Size •How and Where Cattle were Raised •Visual Characteristics More about National BQA Audits can be found at: www.bqa.org |
What is it? Handling practices that impact cattle health, welfare, and productivity
Why is it important? Ensures the welfare for both animals and producers while imporving beef quality and producer profitability. Who should be responsible? Any and all individuals who work with livestock Where should it be applied? Pastures, working facilities, feedlots, and livestock markets When do you do it? Whenever cattle are gathered for husbandry procedures (health care, weighing, sorting, weaning, transportation |
What is Beef Quality and Care Assurance?
The Kentucky Beef Quality & Care Assurance (BQCA) Program is based on recommended national guidelines and scientific research. This program enables beef and dairy producers to enhance their product, maximize marketability and strengthen consumer confidence.
Kentucky Beef Quality and Care Assurance takes national BQA practices one step further to provide the best program for Kentucky producers. The BQCA program adds a cattle handling and care component to the training model. Educational modules provide the best management practices for handling cattle and providing their well-being, while also training on the core principles of BQA.
Content includes:
Beef Quality Assurance Basics
Cattle Handling & Care Basics
Feedstuffs
Feed Additives & Medications
Processing/Treatment & Records
Injectable Animal Health Products
Kentucky Beef Quality and Care Assurance takes national BQA practices one step further to provide the best program for Kentucky producers. The BQCA program adds a cattle handling and care component to the training model. Educational modules provide the best management practices for handling cattle and providing their well-being, while also training on the core principles of BQA.
Content includes:
Beef Quality Assurance Basics
Cattle Handling & Care Basics
Feedstuffs
Feed Additives & Medications
Processing/Treatment & Records
Injectable Animal Health Products
Becoming Certified
BQA
For the national BQA program, certification can be completed online. It is tailored to each segment of the industry — cow/calf, feedyard, stocker.
Upon completion, participants receive a training certificate valid for three years.
For the national BQA program, certification can be completed online. It is tailored to each segment of the industry — cow/calf, feedyard, stocker.
Upon completion, participants receive a training certificate valid for three years.
BQCA
Kentucky’s BQCA program offers training opportunities at the local level.
Contact your local county extension office to see when their next training is scheduled.
If you are interested in hosting a training session for your customers, contact the Kentucky Beef Network to schedule training at your business with one of our trainers
Upon completion, participants receive a BQCA training card valid for three years and the option of a BQCA farm gate sign.
Kentucky’s BQCA program offers training opportunities at the local level.
Contact your local county extension office to see when their next training is scheduled.
If you are interested in hosting a training session for your customers, contact the Kentucky Beef Network to schedule training at your business with one of our trainers
Upon completion, participants receive a BQCA training card valid for three years and the option of a BQCA farm gate sign.
For local BQCA trainings, click on the button below to view upcoming trainings. This is not an extensive list of all county trainings. Contact your local county extension office for upcoming BQCA trainings in your area.