If you sell fat cattle, you will most likely need Beef Quality Assurance Certification after January 1, 2019 to get a buyer.

Several of the larger beef processers have started requiring beef quality assurance (BQA) certification for fed cattle.  Driven by the consumer demand, processors are needing assurances that cattle are properly raised and handled.

Calves in the CREC feedlot.

This social transparency is needed by the food corporations that buy beef from the processors.  Quality assurance is needed to maintain high‐quality beef.  Consumers want reassurance that cattle producers are continuing to do an outstanding job of raising high‐quality beef.

Producers can obtain BQA feed yard certification by attending a Beef Quality Assurance session.

Lisa Pederson, NDSU Extension beef quality assurance specialist, will conduct BQA certification meetings specifically for feedlots at three location in North Dakota in December. The 2.5‐hour certification sessions are scheduled for:

• Dec. 6, 2 p.m., Lake Region Livestock Auction, Devils Lake
• Dec. 12. 1 p.m., North Dakota Stockmen's Association's Beyond the Bunk meeting, Ramada by Wyndham, Bismarck
• Dec. 20, 1 p.m., NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center

The cost for BQA certification is $15 for a three‐year certification. Some producers already may be BQA certified if they attended a cow herd certification session.

Another option for BQA certification is to take the online Beef Quality Assurance "feedyard" option. This online session will take three hours to complete and can be found at www.bqa.org/certification/online‐certification.

For more information contact Karl Hoppe, karl.hoppe@ndsu.edu 701-652-2951 or Lisa Pederson, Lisa.pederson@ndsu.edu 701-424-3603.

ND cattle on pasture just prior to weaning.

Karl Hoppe
Karl.Hoppe@ndsu.edu
Extension Livestock Specialist