Volume VIII Number 3 May/June 2000

Editor's Desk
Beef Quality Assurance: A Very Good Thing

 by Bob Strong, Editor

In order to consistently produce better beef, many states are in the beginning stages of establishing a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. To do this, they are discovering what works for those states that currently have a successful program up and running. Some state associations developed BQA programs with the help of grants from the USDA.

At their 123rd annual convention, held in Houston, TX in March, members of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) unanimously approved a proposal to develop and implement a BQA training and certification program.

At the convention, representatives from two states with successful BQA programs, Montana and Iowa, presented information to the TSCRA membership detailing how their respective programs work. The Texas organization plans to use some of this information when developing their own BQA program.

A task force, consisting of producers and staff appointed by TSCRA's President, J. Mark McLaughlin, has goals of creating a program that is "convenient, cost-effective, voluntary and protect the producer from undue liability." The task force is to have a fully developed structure and operating plan for the training and certification program to be launched within a year.

For several years, Montana Stockgrowers Association has upheld a national reputation with their BQA called the Montana Beef Network. MSGA President, Keith Bales says, "Montana cattle producers have always produced superior feeder cattle with a national reputation. However, we have not often seen the financial return for the quality that producers deserve. The Montana Beef Network will help bring some of that added value back to the pocket of the producers."

Their objectives are outlined:

  • Establish an information network to provide beef production feedback to program participants.

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  • Position program participants to respond to changing marketing alternatives.

  • Develop a systems network, helping producers provide quality, consistent, source-verified feeder cattle and beef supply.

  • Provide program participants with tools they need to improve management and marketing skills and realize added profits.

  • Establish a forum for research on Montana value-added beef production practices.
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Montana developed the program to recognize quality management, provide a premium potential for vaccination programs and to meet the demands of the feedlots for quality cattle.

Montana Beef Networks' Jenny Bloomquist, who spoke at the TSCRA convention, said, "We're very careful not to market cattle, we're simply a supply source for existing marketing options." By purchasing cattle through the Montana Beef Network, cattle buyers know they're getting cattle that were managed right. She also said, " If we don't bring the carcass information back to the producer, we significantly limit our future potential."

Mark Williams, who helped develop the Iowa Quality Beef Initiative (Iowa's BQA program), said, "If you have the info to better manage a calf to make better beef, you should take advantage of that. It simply allows producers to enhance their profitability."

Colorado is also jumping on the band wagon. "We definitely encourage everyone to do this, as it is going to pay off when they sell their cattle in a year or two," said Clarence Newcomb, chairman of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association (CCA). Newcomb and other CCA members have been working with the Colorado Livestock Association to develop a BQA training program to be held at various locations throughout the state.

Newcomb said the program is being developed for the while range of beef producers, from feedlot operators to cow/calf and yearling producers.

The article on page 10 gives a complete outline of the Kansas BQA program which is making a commitment to total quality management.

"We've spent eight years developing this program," said Brad Harrelson, who oversees the BQA program for the Kansas Livestock Association. "By simply attending one of the BQA workshops, we believe producers can learn how to change practices on their farms and ranches that will lead to immediate product improvements."

Not only is this good for the cow/calf operator but it also moves on down the line to RESULTS AT THE FEEDLOT. Research shows that the quality management throughout that calf's' life shows up directly in their feeding results.

Ultimately, more consistent, high-quality beef reaches the consumer's table. If they like what they eat, they'll buy more. And that's a winning outcome for everyone in the beef industry.

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