Colorado Beef Quality Assurance

Beef Quality Assurance Top Priority for Colorado Beef Producers

Over thousands of years, the beef industry has constantly moved toward meeting the ever-changing demands of producers and consumers. The beef industry has changed drastically since the 1800’s when settlers began bringing cattle into the United States. As the industry grows, technology and production practices are constantly improving; and producers are determined to keep up with the changes, not only for their business, but also for their consumers.

While change can be frightening and intimidating, it can also be a catalyst to success. Colorado ranchers involved in the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program understand this.

BQA History…

In the 1980’s cattlemen began investigating ways to ensure their production practices were safe and would pass the scrutiny of the consumer. With the help of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the industry started to really focus on defining and producing a “quality” product. The goal became producing a product that was free from defects, one that was consistent, and one that would meet or exceed customer expectations.

By taking the initiative, the beef industry has been able to look at quality and see how beef meets specifications delineated by a set of production standards. In 1991, a benchmark audit was done, and has continued every five years since.

What is Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)?

Nationally sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, BQA is a producer-driven program in which cattle producers assume the responsibility for producing beef that is a healthy, wholesome, quality product and free from defects such as injection-site lesions and bruises. Producers in BQA programs keep detailed records on their cattle and are involved in educational programs that assure their management, husbandry, and animal health practices meet regulatory and industry standards.

How Does BQA Work?

Producers must be certified through a BQA program. The program educates participants in immunology, animal well-being, and the economics of disease. Producers learn how they can influence carcass quality and consumer confidence.

Why Should Producers Participate?

Producers involved in a BQA program are able to assure everyone, from other producers to the consumer, that the product they are purchasing is safe, healthy, and wholesome. The program provides producers a standardized tool to build their reputation and it increases the producers’ accountability for their product.

Keeping up with the changes is another advantage to being involved in a BQA program. There is also the potential of an economic benefit for producers involved in a BQA program. Buyers have shown an interest in verifiable records, and in some areas, producers are receiving premium prices for “Source Verified – BQA Certified” cattle.

Producers’ Responsibility?

Ultimately, producers share the responsibility to assure the public that high standards of quality and safety are being met.

BQA Mission Statement - To maximize consumer confidence in, and acceptance of, beef by focusing the industry's attention on beef quality assurance through the use of science, research and educational initiatives.

The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association works closely with the Colorado BQA program, and affiliates regularly hold BQA certifications.

For more information on BQA, contact Travis Hoffman, 970-491-BEEF (2333).