Quality matters. Understanding the Beef Quality Assurance program
Many beef cattle ranchers will tell you they’re not interested in cutting corners. In fact, most would argue, “The right way is the only way.”
“I have always believed that we have a voice and that we need to use that voice for the betterment of whatever we’re doing,” Celeste Settrini, a third-generation rancher in Salinas, California, stated.
Settrini said it’s important that consumers understand the work and care that happen before beef hits the dinner plate.
For nearly 50 years, the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program has worked with the beef industry to ensure all products meet the same high-quality standards ― beginning with the rancher.
But what exactly is “quality beef”?
Mediterranean Beef Meatball Kabob
Mongolian Beef
With a few common ingredients and a little kitchen know-how, you've got a nutritious meal on the table in 30 minutes or less. Try these recipes when time is tight.
TRY OUR RECIPES: 30 MINUTES OR LESS
When the BQA program began in the 1970s, its focus was to educate consumers about the safety of beef products. Today, the program works with ranchers and the beef industry throughout the entire beef production life cycle, covering areas like cattle health, nutrition, transportation and more.
Consumers expect a consistent, high-quality beef product. And as for how the animal was raised? No surprise, this matters a lot to consumers too, according to Josh White, executive director of producer education at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
“According to market research, the majority of consumers say they consider how and where their food is raised when making a meal decision,” White explained.
HISTORY
CERTIFICATION
The BQA program voluntarily requires its farmers and ranchers to meet specific standards set by an advisory group that includes veterinarians and animal nutrition experts.
The program provides checkpoints to ensure ranchers are providing cattle with a nutritious diet, adequate room to roam, natural shelters, up-to-date health records and safe transportation throughout their life cycle.
The BQA is also a proponent of the responsible antibiotic use policy set in place by the Food and Drug Administration. The program currently includes a 14-point antibiotic use guideline, essentially ensuring that animals are given appropriate amounts and types of health products.
Click here for our California Local Beef Directory
Looking for locally-sourced beef?
“Cattle ranching is a passion. ... You don’t work 24/7 as hard as we work for the little monetary value,” says Karen Stone, a rancher in Woodland, California.
Stone, like many other ranchers, knows that responsible practices will preserve the cattle industry, and the environment, for future generations.
“We work every day not only to take care of our cattle,” Stone said, “but just to continue to make this place the most beautiful piece of land that we can make it.”
PRESENTED BY:
Beef & Asparagus Pasta Toss
Cheeseburger
Mac
Beef & Vegetable Fried Rice
Korean Beef & Vegetable Bowls
Buffalo-Style Beef Tacos
Cuban Crispy Shredded Beef
Click here for our California Local Beef Directory
Looking for locally-sourced beef?
Regardless of whether a beef producer is BQA certified, you’d be hard-pressed to find a rancher who isn’t invested in the welfare of their cattle herds.
“One of the reasons I do what I do is because I really love working with the animals,” says Mike Williams, a rancher based in Southern California.
“It’s very important to me and most ranchers, frankly, that they are well cared for,” Williams said. “That we see to their needs, make sure they’ve got the water, make sure they’ve got the food, make sure they’re taken care of if they get sick.”
Today, ranchers face high stakes when it comes to animal welfare, a fact that benefits both the livestock and the consumer. But for many ranchers, it’s more about the rewards of the lifestyle than the business itself.
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
Courtesy of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
PRESENTED BY:
“BQA exemplifies what beef farmers and ranchers have always cared about,” White said. “A commitment to caring for their animals and providing families with the safest and highest-quality beef possible, and we look forward to introducing this important program to consumers.”
The BQA program also plays a major role down the line, after the cattle have been processed. The program regards “quality beef” as beef that satisfies customers’ expectations for “eating and preparation characteristics.” This can include factors like tenderness, flavor, color and juiciness.
Today, more than 85% of beef produced in the U.S. comes from a BQA-certified farmer or rancher. In addition, many larger companies require cattle to come from BQA-certified facilities.
When the BQA program began in the 1970s, its focus was to educate consumers about the safety of beef products. Today, the program works with ranchers and the beef industry throughout the entire beef production life cycle, covering areas like cattle health, nutrition, transportation and more.
Consumers expect a consistent, high-quality beef product. And as for how the animal was raised? No surprise, this matters a lot to consumers too, according to Josh White, executive director of producer education at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
“According to market research, the majority of consumers say they consider how and where their food is raised when making a meal decision,” White explained.
“BQA exemplifies what beef farmers and ranchers have always cared about,” White said. “A commitment to caring for their animals and providing families with the safest and highest-quality beef possible, and we look forward to introducing this important program to consumers.”
The BQA program also plays a major role down the line, after the cattle have been processed. The program regards “quality beef” as beef that satisfies customers’ expectations for “eating and preparation characteristics.” This can include factors like tenderness, flavor, color and juiciness.
Today, more than 85% of beef produced in the U.S. comes from a BQA-certified farmer or rancher. In addition, many larger companies require cattle to come from BQA-certified facilities.
Arlene and Bob Vander Eyk, Vander Eyk Dairy
The Mello family, Courtesy of San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau