Livestock veterinarians and sales personnel have an opportunity to help cattle producers improve their production outcomes and meet BQA standards in the coming months. Work with your customers to get them to various BQA training programs such as:
- BQA Transportation
- Stockmanship and Stewardship
- Dairy Farm Program
Source: BQA. Link.
Nearly every state in the U.S. has an active BQA program. Funding for these efforts ranges from state-derived Beef Checkoff money to national Beef Checkoff support through the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. State-based activities are often enhanced through locally derived private and public grants.
State BQA programs are voluntary, locally led, and administered through organizations such as state beef councils, Land Grant Universities and state cattle associations. BQA is not a “government” program. BQA links all beef producers with livestock production specialists, veterinarians, nutritionists, marketers and food purveyors interested in maintaining and improving the quality of cattle and the beef they produce.
Also see: Will BQA certification someday become a requirement? BEEF, September 5, 2018. Link.
… because of recent packer announcements and the possible future implications, I’m told that some sale barns are moving toward requiring that all cattle going through the market be BQA certified. The Livestock Marketing Association is working with its members to provide resources and ensure this happens smoothly.
INSIGHTS: For reps with remaining 2018 promotional monies this is a great opportunity to team up with two or three of your practicing vet customers and invite a good mix of producers to a live BQA certification event. Alternately, host an event in a wifi friendly location and help certify producers using the on-line tools.