What is Beef Quality Assurance and Why Become Certified?

August 2007
Sonja C. Crawford - Hendry County Extension, 4-H Coordinator/Livestock Agent II

American beef is consumed by millions of people throughout the world and consumers are concerned about the safety of the food they eat. The perception among consumers regarding diet-health issues, hormones, and potential drug residues led to the development of the Beef Quality Assurance Program in 1986. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a proven system of sensible management practices that will further strengthen consumer confidence in beef products.

Beef Quality Assurance has become common words among many Florida Cattle Producers. It is part of cattle producers daily livestock management practices to produce a safe, wholesome and healthy beef supply. Beef Quality Assurance program focuses on improving management practices that will enhance beef quality and help manage issues that may affect consumer attitudes toward beef. The program emphasizes the correct use of animal health products and administration to prevent injection site lesions and abscesses, feed additives and supplement to prevent residues, prevention of disease, and the proper care and handling of livestock to reduce the risk of bruises.

It is a cooperative effort among the University of Florida, the Florida Department of Agriculture as well as the Florida Cattlemen's Association. The Florida Beef Quality Producer program is a voluntary program that will include "basic training" in Beef Quality Assurance.

Participation in this Florida Beef Quality Producer program is one way to show our customers, calf buyers or consumers, that Florida cow/calf producers take every step possible to raise beef for them that is safe, delicious, and raised responsibly.

To maximize the opportunity to improve cow/calf production either through market access or wholesome beef, join Drs. Thrift and Hersom of the University of Florida Animal Sciences Department as well as Dr. Irsik of the University of Florida Veterinary Science Department in Sebring on Thursday, August 16, 2007, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Highlands County Ag Center as they deliver the program in South Florida. The program is offered to all cattle producers and their employees. The cost of the event is $10 to cover lunch and handouts. For more information on BQA, contact your local livestock extension agent.

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