Cattlemen have a long-standing
commitment to quality beef. Now, they can step up that commitment by
participating in the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program and
participate in Illinois Beef Association (IBA) sponsored training and
certification sessions.
Delivering a quality beef product to the consumer requires
more than just superior genetics – trustworthy handling practices are the link
that assures consumer satisfaction.
BQA is important to the cattle industry as it gives
producers a set of best practices for producing a safe and high-quality beef
product. It also gives consumers the assurance that the beef they eat is both
healthy and wholesome.
The program covers best management practices such as proper
handling and administration of vaccinations and other products, better cattle
handling principles, profit tips, and insight to consumer preferences.
“Many producers leave with a sense of validation of the bulk
of their practices, but an exited feeling that they have picked up on a few
tips that can give them a competitive advantage in the beef market,” said
Travis Meteer, state BQA coordinator. “BQA certification serves as hard
evidence to the effort and level of care animals receive day in and day out.
BQA approved practices lead to a safe, wholesome product that consumers demand.
We have all made the comment – what is best for the animal is best for our
bottom line. If you are talking the talk then BQA is walking the walk.”
Curt Rincker, a Simmental breeder from Shelbyville, places a
lot of value on the BQA program because it was designed by cattlemen for
cattlemen and has the research and results to back it up.
“When I realized the improvements made in recent beef audits
due to injection sites, I felt it was equally important for the cow-calf sector
to also apply the same beef safety practices,” Rincker said.
Rincker’s education through the BQA program has enhanced his
day-to-day management practices and enhanced animal well-being on his farm.
“I’ve made a real effort to follow proper injection site
guidelines along with more frequent needle and syringe changes during routine
vaccinations,” he said. “Practicing more patience in cattle handling procedures
and an improved understanding of cattle movement through the BQA program, not
only takes stress off of my cows, but takes some stress off of me to. It’s a
win-win for all on my farm.”
According to Buzz Iliff, Wyoming Vet Clinic veterinarian,
the industry has seen good evidence that a calmer animal stays healthier and
provides a much better product in the tenderness of the meat.
“From personal experience, it is gratifying to see producers
adopt and follow BQA guidelines and improve their operations,” Iliff said.
“More importantly, keeping good treatment records and strictly following
withdrawl times on any antibiotics and medications will insure a safer
product.”
At the end of the day, the consumer is the industry’s demand
driver. If that consumer is willing to open up their wallet, as an industry, we
need to produce a consistent product that gives the beef buyer a great eating
experience time and time again.
Even at beef’s current high retail prices, John Lundeen,
NCBA senior executive director of market research, said consumers are willing
to pay the price, but expectations for quality have also risen.
“The checkoff-funded Consumer Beef Index study measures
demand drivers and we see taste topping the charts with safety and value
following close behind,” Lundeen said. “Those characteristics along with
confidence in the beef industry’s production practices are often how consumers
describe quality.”
He added that consumers are stepping up to the case and
purchasing the product because cattlemen have done a great job to continuously
improve their production practices. But, it can’t stop here – the industry is
in a strong point now, but producers need to continue to invest in education
and keep the momentum going.
“Without a doubt the end-result of all of the BQA guidelines
and practices that we as BQA certified producers use, is a safer end-product
for our beef consumer. Being BQA certified is the right thing to do and has
continued to improve the perception of beef from gate to plate,” Rincker said.
Cattlemen are invited to attend BQA training sessions this
winter sponsored by the IBA to learn about the latest best management practices
and become BQA certified. There is a $25 registration fee payable at the door
to cover the cost of meals and training materials and reservations are
encouraged by contacting the IBA at 217-787-4280.
The meetings will begin at 6 p.m. with a meal followed by
the training session.
Dates and locations are:
- Dec. 2, Litchfield, Lincoln Land Community College Arts & Technology Building – Multipurpose Room
- Dec. 4, Quincy, Adams County Farm Bureau Building
- Dec. 9, Paris, Edgar County Fairgrounds – Multipurpose 4-H Building
