The 2016 National Beef Quality Assurance Audit, showed that food safety and how/where cattle are raised are two of the top five concerns of beef consumers. By committing to the “Kentucky Beef Quality Care & Assurance (BQCA)” Program, Ohio County beef producers are implementing the national BQA practices , as well as, adding cattle handling and care components to their beef management skills. 

     In the last three years, over 120 beef producers have completed the Kentucky BQCA certification in Ohio Co. These producers were trained in the areas of: Beef Quality Assurance Basics, Cattle, Handling & Care Basics, Feedstuffs, Feed Additives & Medications, Processing/Treatment & Records, Injectable Animal Health Products. These producer then evaluated their herd management and implemented practices which conformed to the BQCA guidelines. 

     A survey of producers show the following impacts:

• 100% of producers now give vaccinations subcutaneously in the neck area. Thus, reducing injection site blemishes.
• 65% will update their recordkeeping systems to better track animal treatments and withdrawal times
• 100% of producers now use rattle paddles or flags, when handling cattle, rather than tobacco sticks. Thus, avoiding bruising and animal stress. 
• 90% of producers have a better understanding of the need for “Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR)”

     All of these practices will improve consumers’ confidence in beef products and improve the sustainability of the beef herd.