For many Wisconsin beef producers, 2024-2025 marks the three-year recertification deadline for the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. In 2018, several major packers announced they would only buy finished cattle from BQA-certified farms. To support farmers, the UW-Madison Division of Extension and the Wisconsin Beef Council will hold in-person BQA certification meetings in the coming months.
For farmers needing recertification, two options are available in addition to in-person sessions:
- Online Certification: Visit BQA Online Certification to select and complete either the Cow/Calf, Stocker/Backgrounder, or Feedyard courses. Users can progress at their own pace, and the website tracks their progress, so there’s no need to finish in one session.
- Continuing Education (CE) Credits: For currently certified farmers, BQA offers educational courses to earn credits toward renewal. Completing three CE credits extends the certification by an additional three years. Available courses include BQA Transportation (2 credits), Biosecurity (1 credit), Foundations of Herd Health (1 credit), Stockmanship Principles (1 credit), and Herd Health Management Practices (1 credit). The Division of Extension also provides meetings that offer CE credits.
Below are the scheduled dates and locations for in-person BQA certification meetings. Registration opens 30 minutes before the listed time. To register, visit this link or contact the County Extension office listed; if no number is provided, call the Wisconsin Beef Council at 1-800-728-2333.
- Nov. 13, 2024 | 1 pm: Iowa County Extension, Dodgeville, 608-723-2125
- Dec. 06, 2024 | 9 am: Equity Coop Bonduel, 715-748-1413
- Dec. 09, 2024 | 5 pm: South Central Livestock Exchange, Reedsburg
- Dec. 10, 2024 | 1 pm: Equity Coop Monroe, 608-723-2125
- Dec. 13, 2024 | 1 pm: Watertown Public Library
- Jan 7, 2025 | 5 pm: Multi-purpose Building, Darlington, 608-723-2125
- Jan. 11, 2025 | 9 am: Ice Age Pavilion, Rib Lake, 715-748-1413
- Jan. 13, 2025 | 6 pm: UW-River Falls Mann Valley Farm
- Jan 16, 2025 | 12 pm: Equity Coop Lomira, 920-294-4032
- Jan. 16, 2025 | 6 pm: Manchester Rod & Gun Club, 920-294-4032
- Jan. 29, 2025 | 1 pm: Equity Coop Altoona, Eau Claire, 715-748-1413
- Feb. 10, 2025 | 5 pm: Richland County Extension Office, 608-647-6148
The BQA program helps producers enhance cattle quality and positively impacts public perceptions of the beef industry. Implementing best practices under BQA ensures that cattle meet high standards, providing consumers with confidence in beef safety and welfare. Research by the Beef Checkoff indicates that BQA awareness strengthens consumer trust in how beef cattle are raised.
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