Quality is a word synonymous with Nicholas Meat. It is something that we strive for daily at our facility as we believe that whatever we do today, we can do better tomorrow. That is why Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is important to us and the farmers and truckers we work with daily.

What is BQA? It’s a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides information to beef farmers and consumers alike on how best management practices can be used to raise animals humanely and ultimately provide safe, wholesome, quality beef to the public. In short, the guidelines provided by BQA are designed to provide peace of mind to beef consumers and provide trust and confidence in the beef industry.

Originally started in 1982 as the Pre-Harvest Beef Safety Production Program by the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), BQA provides farmers an opportunity to learn best practices while avoiding additional government regulations.

BQA programs have evolved over the years and today include best management practices around cattle handling, facility management, cattle transportation, good record keeping and protecting herd health. Today, in Pennsylvania, there are more than 7,300 beef and dairy farmers that are certified in the state’s BQA program. While Nicholas Meat does not require farmers to be BQA-certified, we do strongly encourage it. Additionally, we do require that those selling to us complete a variety of affidavits that focus on best management practices including the prohibited use of antibiotics, growth hormones or certain feeds.

“Ensuring we put forth a quality product is what we strive for each and every day,” said Duane Eichenlaub, Nicholas Meat Regulatory and Sustainability Manager. “We appreciate when beef producers take that extra step with BQA certification to ensure that best practices are being followed and a quality product is being shipped to our facility.”

There are many aspects to BQA – whether you are a beef farmer, dairy farmer or someone that hauls cattle to our facility. For instance, the Pennsylvania BQA program has evolved to include best practices around good record keeping and protecting herd health. Why? Because healthy animals mean everyone benefits – the producer, our business and you, the consumer.

There is also certification for haulers. These trainings teach and remind those transporting animals techniques to ensure animals arrive in the safest conditions. Principles taught include: cattle well-being and meat quality and are meant for both professional drivers as well as farmer and rancher haulers.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program works with dairy farmers, cooperatives, processors and industry partners to provide training that demonstrates the highest care standards on U.S. dairy farms. The FARM program, which works in partnership with BQA, has five program areas: animal care, environment, antibiotics, workforce development and biosecurity.