Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers of how good husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management conditions. BQA programs have evolved to include best practices around cattle handling, facility management, cattle transportation, good record keeping and protecting herd health, which all result in better outcomes for cattle and producers. Today, having an active BQA certification is more important than ever because the full beef supply chain is leveraging the program to ensure our commitment to food safety, cattle well-being, and beef quality. BQA now offers Continuing Education (CE) for certificate renewal, allowing producers to earn three CE credits through BQA online or UConn Extension educational programs before their certificate expires, with CE available only for renewing an existing certificate.

If you have any questions, contact the CT BQA Coordinator, MacKenzie White at mackenzie.white@uconn.edu

Benefits:

• Continuous learning in the latest cattle management practices
• Improves consume confidence in how we raise cattle (Raised & Grown Asset Survey. 2023.)
• BQA Certified cattle are sold for a premium in video auctions
• Better cattle health leads to more profitability
• Focuses on worker safety
• Meets supply chain needs and expectations