Beginning next year, several packers will require BQA Transportation certification of the hauler/drivers delivering cattle to their plants.
Transportation quality assurance plays a critical role in the health and welfare of cattle. The proper handling and transport of cattle can reduce sickness in calves, prevent bruises, and improve the quality of the meat from these animals. By using best practices, transporters can save the beef industry millions of dollars each year. When a transporter participates in the program they are showing consumers they are ready to take every step possible to keep cattle as healthy and safe as possible.
Beginning in 2020, several major packers will require BQA Transportation Certification (BQAT) of the haulers transporting and delivering cattle to their plants.
The program covers many topics including:
- Cattle handling guidelines & diagrams
- Checklists for loading/unloading
- Checklists for hot/cold weather factors
- Checklists for fit/injured/weak cattle
- Checklist for traveling
- Loading suggestions and worksheets
- Bio-security & Emergency Action Plans
To register online to become BQAT certified, go to bqatransportation.beeflearningcenter.org.
To learn about in-person training opportunities contact your local extension office or Steve Boyles (boyles.4@osu.edu), OSU Extension Beef Specialist. Any upcoming BQA Transportation programs will be listed at the OSU Beef Team website in the Events/Programs section.
Please note, BQA Transportation Certification is not the same thing as BQA Certification.