Verona, Wisc. — UW-Madison’s Division of Extension and the Wisconsin Beef Council are hosting three upcoming in-person Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification meetings. BQA certification is valid for three years.
To attend the in-person meetings, it is recommended that farmers register 7 days before the meeting date as attendance is limited based on location capacity. The individual attending the meeting will hold the BQA certification; family members and employees are covered by that certification when it is filed with the market(s) and cattle are all under the same management. It is each individuals’ responsibility to share certification details with markets.
To register for an in-person session, go to https://tinyurl.com/2hr5karf or call one of the County Extension offices or Wisconsin Beef Council.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Nov. 15, 12:30 pm, Bloomington Livestock Exchange. To register call Grant Co. Extension office at 608-723-2125 or Wisconsin Beef Council at 800-728-2333.
Nov. 17, 12:30 pm, Belmont Sale Barn. To register call Grant Co. Extension office at 608-723-2125 or Wisconsin Beef Council at 800-728-2333.
Dec. 7, 3:00 pm, Equity Market, Monroe. To register call Green Co. Extension office at (608) 328-9440 or Wisconsin Beef Council at 800-728-2333.
Any questions related to BQA certification or upcoming meeting dates may contact the Wisconsin Beef Council at 1-800-728-2333.
Buyers representing some large packers and processors (including Tyson) only purchase cattle from farms selling beef breed types of finished cattle that are BQA Certified. In addition, JBS requires that producers selling cattle directly to their plants sign an affidavit stating that they are “in compliance with all applicable state or national BQA certification and verification programs.” National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) certification is considered a BQA equivalent. The packer requirements represent their policy, not that of BQA or the Beef Checkoff program. Farmers with questions about BQA certification requirements should contact their markets or buyers directly. BQA certification is valid for three years.
BQA does more than just help beef producers capture more value from their cattle: BQA also reflects a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they assure the cattle they sell are the best they can be. Consumer research, conducted by the Beef Checkoff, showed that learning about BQA made consumers more confident in beef safety and animal welfare and improved positive consumer perceptions of how cattle are raised for food.
Farmers can register online at https://tinyurl.com/2hr5karf. Those who are unable to attend but need to recertify can complete the course online by going to https://www.bqa.org/ and clicking on ‘Certification’.
