2019 Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame: James Herring, A Visionary Leader

Through the history of the beef quality assurance (BQA) initiative, we’ve known the effort would never be “finished,” but instead would require continuous improvement and discovery of new methods or practices.

The New Year is an opportunity for many to make a clear change in expectations for business practices.

Cattle producers and industry personnel can become BQA certified in Oklahoma by in-person training, or on-line at BQA.org.

The American Simmental Association has begun a large genotyping project to collect carcass records and genotypes on sire-identified terminal calves to improve progeny equivalents for carcass traits.

USDA's latest steer and heifer grading report shows Prime carcasses totaled 9.6%, the highest level on record, with Choice accounting for 71%.

As producers rush to complete BQA certification, cattle haulers should also take note—they will need certification in the BQA Transportation program by Jan. 1, 2020.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) equips producers with production strategies and general skills to maintain and strengthen a quality, wholesome food supply.

Beef packers willl require Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification from fed cattle suppliers, starting Jan. 1, 2019. This is driven by beef retailers and consumers who want assurance about how cattle are raised.

This Maryland seedstock operation satisfies beef-loving urban consumers with Angus beef while collecting data for future genetic selection.