BQA Program Earns Compliance with International Animal Welfare Standards

The Beef Quality Assurance Program, known as BQA, is now recognized as an industry-leading animal welfare program. Funded by the Beef Checkoff and managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the program complies with the International Organization for Standardization Animal Welfare Management General Requirements and. The standard was developed in 2016 for programs to show they are aligned with the principles of the World Organization of Animal Health Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Julia Herman, Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian for NCBA, says affirmation that the program complies with the specifications is “an important recognition of U.S. cattle producers’ continued commitment to delivering a safe, high quality beef supply while maintaining the highest animal welfare standards.” Developed more than 30 years ago, the BQA program has become the industry standard for delivering education and resources to cattle producers. More than 85 percent of the U.S. beef supply today is managed by BQA-certified farmers and ranchers, according to the National BQA Database