ManualfortheNC-BQATrainer-GPVEC.docVIP

BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE: PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER Across the nation, beef producers face the challenge of making a living from the land, while producing safe, wholesome beef. Beef that will provide a great eating experience each and every time for American and International consumers. To meet that challenge, the industry’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program was created in 1987 to assist beef producers in raising, feeding and harvesting high quality beef. Through the use of science, research and educational initiatives, the BQA program has identified production practices producers can implement each day. The ultimate goal of these BQA practices is to maximize consumer confidence. Because the BQA program is a holistic approach to beef production – practices implemented can impact a producer’s bottomline in profits/returns, decreased animal health costs; and improved records that allow for better tracking of production practices. Foodservice and packing industries are implementing similar management principles to ensure the quality and safety of products leaving their production facilities. The entire focus of the BQA program centers around good business management practices and incorporates current FDA, EPA and USDA regulations. By participating in the Nebraska Cattlemen – Beef Quality Assurance (NC-BQA) program and adopting BQA production practices, you are positioning your business to take advantage of opportunities that lie ahead. Making a commitment to BQA isn’t just the right thing to do for the consumer, it can also open doors to new marketing opportunities for participating producers.  Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Quality Assurance Program 134 S. 13th Street, #900 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-475-2333 website: e-mail: bqa@ This program was developed through the efforts of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Technical Advisory committee, board of directors and staff. Special thanks to all previous and current volunteers who have assisted with the devel