The Minnesota Beef Quality Assurance Program (BQA) is an educational program provided by the Minnesota Beef Council in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service, the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, the National Cattleman's Beef Association and other industry organizations. The Minnesota Beef Quality Assurance Program is funded by beef check-off investments from Minnesota's beef and dairy producers.
BQA is not a herd health program, but it is a comprehensive effort to ensure that our cattle producers are providing consumers with a safe, wholesome supply of beef. Beef from cattle managed under BQA guidelines will be less likely to contain a violative residue, contain injection site tissue damage, or other quality defects that may reduce consumer confidence.
BQA certified producers are trained to implement science-based procedures on their farms and ranches to ensure proper care and well-being of their animals. Participants certified under the Minnesota BQA are encouraged to use management skills and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to meet or exceed industry standards, avoid product defects at the consumer level and meet current animal care and welfare guidelines.
Assuring the consumer that cattle produced by Minnesota beef and dairy producers are healthy, wholesome and safe is the primary goal of the BQA program.