Beef Quality Assurance in Iowa Increases Producer Profits
Animal Science
Denise Schwab
Extension Beef Specialist
Iowa State University
Vinton
Abstract
While the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is voluntary, most cattle feeders and many cow-calf producers certify to increase their marketing opportunities. The BQA program is managed and overseen by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council, with Iowa ISU Extension beef specialists contracted to provide the educational component to producers. This partnership has been extremely beneficial to both organizations and to Iowa beef producers. Partnerships with auction markets, cattle buyers, feed dealers, veterinarian clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and county cattlemen groups have also been developed to further the reach of the program. Some auction barns have even taken the step to request all cattle producers, whether fed cattle or cow-calf producers, become BQA certified to sell any cattle through their market. The focus of the BQA program nationally is to ensure consumers that beef is healthy, wholesome, and safe; and that beef producers raise cattle with attention to animal welfare, food and worker safety and environmentally sound practices. In Iowa, we stress the importance of evaluating individual operations and making changes to improve production, management, and profitability. Most programs are typical presentations, we also utilize Stockmanship Clinics with nationally known clinicians on cattle behavior and handling practices, and Feedyard Assessment field days with hands-on activities and the Feedyard Self-Assessment scoresheet. Finally, when Covid limited face-to-face opportunities, a webinar was held which included quiz questions throughout to ensure participant attendance. The partnership with the Iowa Beef Industry Council was developed in 2017. In the last three years (2018-21) 174 programs have been held with more than 11,000 producers attending. A 2019-20 survey of beef producers attending Extension programs showed that 68% of respondents learned something new at a BQA training, half changed cattle handling practices, 40% changed record keeping and 40% changed animal health practices, all resulting in a safer, higher quality beef product. Thirty-four percent also shared information about beef production practices with consumers. When averaged, the BQA program added $430 to the beef producers’ operations. Because of this program, consumers can be assured the beef they consume is responsibly raised and safe to eat.
Authors: Denise Schwab
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Denise Schwab Extension Beef Specialist, Iowa State University Extension, Iowa, 42349