Success StoryExtension Helps Farmers Acquire BQCA Despite Pandemic



Extension Helps Farmers Acquire BQCA Despite Pandemic

Author: Brian Jeffiers

Planning Unit: Johnson County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Livestock and Crops

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Safe and humane care of livestock is a high-profile issue in animal agriculture. For that reason, a number of entities require beef producers to complete the Beef Quality and Care Assurance certification in order to be eligible for various cost-share programs and other benefits. BQCA has historically been provided by extension agents at local events, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to in-person meetings, leaving farmers in need of another option. University of Kentucky specialists and Kentucky Cattleman's Association personnel were able to develop an online method for completing the certification, but many farmers still needed one-on-one assistance via phone or email to access the program and complete it properly. Six Johnson County farmers in need of the BQCA endorsement contacted the county extension agent for agriculture and natural resources, who was able to guide them through the process of signing up for the online program and completing it, allowing them to participate in the CAIP cost-share program in 2021 and receive up to $2,000 apiece for on-farm improvements.






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