In the beef industry, consumers have shown concern regarding the welfare of how the animals are treated throughout the production process.  In an August 2022 study of the Consumer Beef Tracker, 52% of beef consumers had concerns with cattle production, and their largest concern was animal welfare. 

To address this concern, the Kenton County 4-H Livestock members took part in the Kentucky Beef Quality and Care Assurance Program (Ky-BQCA).  The program served as part of the 4-H members required education hours.  While the program was targeted toward beef, the principles could apply to other livestock species as well.  Topics covered included basic animal husbandry, vaccine storage, injection methods and safety, how to properly move animals, and more. 

A test covering the information in each module was given following that module’s videos.  Participants compared answers upon review, which turned into a friendly competition between the students. 4-H members played a Ky-BQCA Kahoot after the training, and this became a positive reinforcement of the program. After the class, one student even requested blank copies of all the test so she could go home and practice learning the information.  All fifteen students and one parent became Ky-BQCA certified. Everyone left with new knowledge as well as a reminder of how to prioritize animal welfare practices when working with livestock.

This program was a coordinated team effort of the Kenton County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, who is a certified trainer for the Ky-BQCA program, as well as the 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for Kenton County, and the Certified Livestock volunteers. 

The purpose of the Ky-BQCA program is to educate producers regarding animal welfare.  The knowledge gained provides the best outcome for animal health and producer profit, which in turn gives consumers confidence in the choice of the beef they purchase. The purpose in offering Ky-BQCA to 4-H members is the same, and teaching children to prioritize animal welfare ensures that they have the proper knowledge to treat their animals well at a young age.  

Consumer Beef Tracker; analyzed by NCBA, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, Jan. – Dec. 2022