Some packers now require BQA (or equivalent, FARM 4.0 or higher version) certification as a condition of their purchase of beef animals, including cull dairy cows and dairy beef steers. The Beef Quality Assurance program’s Dairy Animal Care and Quality Assurance (DACQA) and Dairy Cattle Care modules now are available online. The training units provide an excellent, virtual instruction package that can be accessed anytime, free of charge.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 3, 2020. Link. BQA (or FARM) training should be recertified every three years, although many producers report that an annual review of the materials has become a helpful part of their regular training schedule.
INSIGHTS: As producers learn to live with the disruptions of the pandemic, helping them refocus to refresh and train employees on BQA standards is good counsel. Share this article to remind them of the importance of certification and its value when marketing products.