Your checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is giving you the chance to become certified for free thanks to a partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. and the Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) housed at Kansas State University.
The cost of BQA certification is normally $25-$50; however, between Feb. 11, 2013 and March 15, 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will defray the cost of the certification, making it free for producers.
Those interested in taking advantage of this BQA certification opportunity should start at www.BIVI-BQA.com.
“BQA provides cattlemen with the tools they need to produce the safe, high-quality beef while also looking at ways to make their operations more efficient and productive,” says Ryan Ruppert, senior director of BQA.
BQA is the gold standard of livestock handling and animal-welfare programs, Ruppert says, and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.’s support of BQA online certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving the industry and telling consumers about the sound production practices most cattlemen use every day.
BQA has customized programs specific to cow/calf, stocker, feedlot or dairy operations. Developed and managed by the independent Beef Cattle Institute, these easy-to-use modules teach sound management techniques they can apply to their operation.
The cattle industry has embraced BQA because it is the right thing to do, and certification is the next step to show your commitment producing the best beef possible. It also helps cattle operations tell their story to consumers who might not understand all of the safety measures cattlemen take in producing the food on the table.
"We're proud to bring this certification program to more American cattlemen and dairy producers," says David Korbelik, director of cattle marketing for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. "Much like our 'Prevention Works' approach to animal health, BQA is about monitoring and making incremental improvements throughout the lifecycle to prevent disease and ensure a quality end product."
Ruppurt says it is "clear that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is committed to helping consumers understand that beef is produced in a safe and humane manner," adding that "this partnership will help producers learn about the latest industry advancements and demonstrate the ways they continue to provide a top-quality food product.”
Show you care. Start today by visiting www.BQA.org/team or www.BIVI-BQA.com. For more information about your beef checkoff, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com. 
