What is Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)?
Beef Quality Assurance is a voluntary producer driven program that is based on HACCP principles based on recommended national guidelines and research. It is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers of science based, common sense husbandry techniques that can be used to responsibly raise cattle. The mission of BQA is to maximize consumer confidence in and acceptance of beef by focusing the producer’s attention to daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness and quality of beef and beef products. Currently the program influences the management of more than 80% of U.S. cattle today, helping ensure that farmers and ranchers are taking the best possible care of their animals.
What is Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT)?
An extension of BQA, BQAT is directed towards those who transport cattle privately or commercially. This program teaches proper methods for hauling cattle including biosecurity, fitness for transport, trip planning & loading, and emergency management.
How do I become BQA or BQAT Certified?
It’s easy to become BQA or BQAT certified. Your can do it one of two ways. First, You can either contact your herd veterinarian or University of Nebraska Beef Extension Educator to see if they are a certified trainer, or you can attend an in-person BQA/BQAT training happening near you. Another way you can become BQA or BQAT certified is to complete the online BQA/BQAT training modules. When participating in the online modules, you only need to complete one set of the modules (Cow-Calf, Stocker/Backgrounder, or Feedyard) to become BQA certified.
Find a certified trainer near you here.
Click here to find an in-person BQA training happening near you.
Click here to get BQA or BQAT certified online.
Already BQA or BQAT certified, but lost your certificate or not sure when you expire?
You can access your BQA or BQAT certification profile at any time by visiting the National BQA database. The phone number you used when you got certified is your username to access the database. If you have any issues, contact Nebraska BQA at nebraskabqa@unl.edu or 308-633-0158.