Beef

Beef Quality Assurance

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a program sponsored by the Tennessee Cattleman's Association, developed to ensure that beef and dairy cattle are managed in a manner that will result in safe and wholesome beef and milk products for the consumer. BQA is designed to enhance carcass quality by preventing drug residues, injection-site blemishes, and bruises, proper administration of livestock health products, correct vaccination procedures, correct withdrawal times and how to keep proper records to ensure that a safe and healthy beef food product is being produced. Although BQA is a voluntary program, it is required to qualify for the Tennessee Cattle Improvement Program which offers cost-share grants for the purchase and lease of bulls, AI, Bull Soundness Evaluations and cattle handling equipment. Also, a current BQA certification card is required for producers interested in taking the Master Beef Program. The BQA certification training is a two-hour class. Certifications must be renewed every two years.

Cost: (Effective 6-15-2013)

The 3 year BQA certification costs $40 for non-TCA members and $20 for current TCA members. Cost of re-certification is the same price.

The cost for both membership and BQA certification is $50.00.

For further information, you may e-mail Neal Denton wdenton1@utk.edu, or contact him at 865-215-2340.

Detailed information may be found at www.bqa.org

Tennessee Advanced Master Beef Program

The Advanced Master Beef Producer educational program is designed to continue the impact of the original Tennessee Master Beef Producer series. The program uses a combination of hands-on and classroom teaching. Individual sessions will be delivered by your local UT Extension County Agent.

Over 21,000 individuals have participated in the original Master Beef Producer and the Advanced Master Beef Producer series, The prorams are designed to leverage that success into an even more productive industry in Tennessee by improving a producers profitability, position in the industry, and to be competitive with other states.

Benefits of Taking Master Beef

• Gain knowledge with hands-on experience in current beef cattle management practices that are important to the profitability and sustainability of the industry.
• A reference manual of the topics covered in the sessions.
• Master Beef Producer certificate.
• Master Beef Producer cap.
• Master Beef Producer farm sign.
• Qualify to apply for Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program

Over 21,000 individuals have participated in the original Master Beef Producer and the Advanced Master Beef Producer series, The programs are designed to leverage that success into an even more productive industry in Tennessee by improving a producers profitability, position in the industry, and to be competitive with other states.