Kansas State University students majoring in animal science and veterinary medicine traveled across the state this summer to perform Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) assessments at feedyards. Over the three-month time period, the group assessed 32 Kansas feedyards, representing a total of 690,000 head on feed. This program is a collaboration between K-State, KLA and the Kansas Beef Council.
To serve on the BQA team, students had to become BQA-certified and then attend a BQA feedyard assessment training. Students also had to demonstrate a working knowledge of low-stress cattle handling, animal welfare and an understanding of its importance to beef consumers. The students operated with guidance from K-State veterinarian Dan Thomson and Clayton Huseman, executive director of the KLA Feedlot Division.
The BQA feedyard assessment program focuses on the areas of animal welfare, recordkeeping, protocols, facilities and equipment. Feedyards that train employees in BQA and complete the assessment can be listed on www.feedyardassessment.org as a BQA-approved feedyard. The assessment must be updated every three years and can be done as a self-assessment, or by second- or third-party assessors. To schedule a feedyard assessment, call (785) 477-5150 or email [email protected]. There is a fee for conducting the assessment.