DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to United States beef producers and beef consumers of how common sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. (Source: National BQA website.)

BQA concerns itself with practices throughout the production process, mainly dealing with animal health, food safety, and product quality. No matter what the segment, from the cow-calf producer to the dinner plate, each step affects quality as well as the eating satisfaction of consumer. BQA works with veterinarians and extension educators to conduct trainings for feedlots, livestock auction markets, anybody who handles cattle frequently. We train people and keep them updated on latest animal health issues, products, and practices.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator Rob Eirich is the director of beef quality assurance (BQA) for the state of Nebraska.The position is a partnership between UNL, Nebraska Cattlemen, and the Nebraska Beef Council. Eirich is based at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Scottsbluff.
Phone: 308-632-1230
Email: reirich2@unl.edu