Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) has been around for a long time, but it has recently taken on added emphasis. Beef Quality Assurance now has a set of uniform standards that are recommended on a national basis by NCBA (National Cattlemen's Beef Association). They have also outlined certification standards that will provide consistency for BQA throughout the U.S. Thanks to the Oklahoma Beef Council's support and leadership, Oklahoma producers will have an opportunity to learn about BQA and be certified at several events across the state during August and September. Meeting locations and times are listed below.

Beef producers should take advantage of one of these opportunities and become certified. Training is available in Texas and other states. Some of the reasons to participate in the program are explained well in the following quotes from two BQA pioneers.

"BQA is a process of figuring out what could go wrong, planning to avoid it - then validating and documenting what you have done. BQA is just part of good business," explains Dee Griffin, DVM, associate professor at the University of Nebraska's Great Plains Veterinary Education Center. "The BQA Manual is the overarching guideline that provides consistency across the state programs. It provides good production practices to guarantee the quality of beef products," continues Dr. Griffin.

"BQA is not just about the mechanical part of beef production, like giving vaccines; it is also about the philosophical part, including proper handling and treatment of the animals," says Bill Mies, who served as the technical advisor for the BQA program at its inception. Mies was involved in research concerning beef quality while a professor in beef cattle science at Texas A&M University.

The guiding principles of BQA are based on these core beliefs:
  • WE BELIEVE production practices affect consumer acceptance of beef.
  • WE BELIEVE the BQA Program has and must continue to empower beef producers to improve the safety and wholesomeness of beef.
  • WE BELIEVE these fundamental principles are the fabric of the BQA Program.
  • Empowering people... because producers can make a difference.
  • Taking responsibility... because it's our job, not someone else's.
  • Working together... because product safety and wholesomeness is everyone's business.

The program raises consumer confidence through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry. Many producers have embraced BQA because it is the right thing to do, and some have experienced increased profitability. As an educational program, BQA helps producers identify management processes that can be improved. BQA may have never been more important than it is today.

For more information go to the Oklahoma BQA Website - think about the access to foreign markets, the challenges from anti-beef groups, and the current economic challenges. We don't have room for mistakes. Get certified! The beef industry needs everyone "on board."

Beef Quality Assurance Meetings

Aug. 5, 2008, Enid, Okla.
Garfield County Expo Center Pavilion
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
RSVP: 580-237-1228

Aug. 6, 2008, Goodwell, Okla.
Panhandle Research & Extension Center
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
RSVP: 580-349-5439

Aug. 7, 2008, Woodward, Okla.
High Plains Technology Center
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
RSVP: 580-349-5439

Aug. 7, 2008, Stillwater, Okla.
Payne County Expo Center
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
RSVP: 405-747-8320

Aug. 19, 2008, Wagoner, Okla.
Civic Center
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
RSVP: 918-486-4589

Aug. 21, 2008, Ardmore, Okla.
Ardmore Convention Center
4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
RSVP: Denise 580-223-6570 or Tracy 580-224-6411

Sept. 30, 2008, Lawton, Okla.
Great Plains Technology Center
(Held in conjunction with the SW Stocker Conference)
9:00a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
RSVP: 580-255-0546

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