News Release

GOSHEN — The beef industry created a certification program that is called BQA or Beef Quality Assurance.  This program teaches producers what the standards are for raising/producing quality beef that clear testing and can be certified.  Topics during these trainings consist of proper use of medications and using them safely, proper handling of livestock, nutrition, feed safety, worker/employee safety and many more.

Here in Indiana, there are over 1,000 producers BQA certified already, so this program is being received well by the industry.  Many producers are receiving a $40-50 premium per head when they sell cattle and have the BQA certification.  Many of the auction barns are selling to packers that require producers to have BQA certification to buy cattle from them.

Most, if not all, of the large packers have made BQA certification a requirement while not many smaller ones have. Even if you are selling freezer beef or selling directly to a small packer, it still makes sense to have this certification because it adds assurance to the quality of your cattle.

There are two different ways that you can get certified, one is to complete the online training and the other is to attend in person training. There will be an in-person training at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in the Fair Board Meeting Room, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen. To register for the in-person event, call Kathryn Jennings the Elkhart County Extension Office at (574) 533-0554.

When attendees call to register, be prepared to provide your name, address, phone number and email address. This information is needed by BQA for certification. If you do not have an email address, let the office know while registering.

These trainings are free and you only need to attend one to receive certification, but you have to complete a self-graded exam at the end to receive the certification.  Once certified it’ll last for three years before you need to attend another training.