A successful ranch beef quality assurance program has numerous segments. Everything from the initial selection of a breed and foundation bloodlines to the preparation of the final product to be served at the table impacts the quality, satisfaction and enjoyment of beef.
This program has several objectives. These involve training in the basic principles of quality assurance and the development of specific herd Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) programs. The development of a successful BQA program is a joint effort by the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association, The University of Arizona, the Arizona Department of Agriculture and Allied Industry Partners.
A primary focus for the rancher in the initial phase will include training in record keeping, proper product storage and administration and animal injection sites. Animal health products will focus on storage, transportation, handling, mixing and administration. Animal specific issues will focus on animal handling techniques, specific administration sites and alternate administration sites. Accurate records of products, administration dates, treatment protocols and any other significant management processes are also critical to the BQA.
A secondary focus of the BQA effort is the development of a certified pre-conditioning program to minimize the incidence of animal health problems and to assure the buyer the animal has received an adequate pre-shipment conditioning program.
This program is to assist Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association members in producing cattle that are healthy, wholesome and meet FDA, USDA and EPA guidelines, rules and regulations. Through voluntary participation in the ACGA BQA, the Arizona beef industry can persist in the production of safe, wholesome beef in a manner that continues to inspire consumer confidence and can base its future certification on scientifically developed Arizona data and training.