By Scout Nelson
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the beef checkoff, has announced the publication of the newly updated Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) National Manual.
This essential guide, now available online, serves as a comprehensive resource for cattle producers, offering science-based information on best practices in cattle production.
Clay Mathis, the BQA Advisory Group chair and head of the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University, emphasized the manual’s role in empowering beef producers. According to Mathis, the BQA program is designed to help producers efficiently and responsibly use natural resources to produce high-quality beef, a top source of protein worldwide.
The manual is instrumental in driving improvements throughout the beef supply chain by ensuring adherence to established best management practices.
The manual's primary goal is to equip producers with the technical knowledge necessary to raise cattle that meet the high standards of today's market, focusing on both quality and safety. The guidelines are tailored to be realistic and achievable, allowing producers to meet or exceed them effectively.
Distributed online and via BQA state coordinators at the grassroots level, the manual reaches a wide audience, ensuring that valuable insights are accessible to all industry stakeholders.
Over the past year, more than 30 cattle producers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the United States have collaborated to update the manual. Their revisions reflect findings from the latest National Beef Quality Audit, ensuring the manual remains current with cutting-edge research and industry developments.
In addition to the comprehensive manual, an abbreviated “Field Guide” version is set to be updated and released in the summer of 2025. This version will provide a handy, condensed reference that continues to support producers in their day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
With its thorough approach and commitment to industry improvement, the BQA National Manual stands as a pivotal resource for enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of the beef industry.
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Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle