Last year Tyson Foods, who harvest and process 25% of the US beef market share, and also Wendy’s, the second largest fast food hamburger chain in this country, announced beginning in 2019 the cattle they purchase must originate from producers and feedyards who are Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified. Following the lead set by the pork industry years ago, many believe it’s safe to assume the entire beef industry will soon require BQA certification in order for cattlemen to simply have market access for their cattle.
All Ohio sale barns and collection points – including Fairfield Cattle Company – are asking that cattlemen who have yet to do so acquire their BQA Certification as soon as possible in order to more easily accommodate the transition to accepting and marketing fed cattle in the coming year. To that end, Scott Barrett of Fairfield Cattle Company is hosting a BQA session the evening of September 6 at his new collection barn located at 3443 Cincinnati-Zanesville Road near the intersection of U.S. 33 and 22. All area cattlemen and their family members who would like to secure a BQA certification are invited.
The evening will begin with supper being served by the Fairfield County Cattlemen at 5:45 p.m. The program, led by OSU Extension Beef Specialist Steve Boyles and OSU Meats Specialist Lyda Garcia, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. In order that meal plans can be made, reservations may be called into OSU Extension of 740-652-7265 or given to Scott Barrett.
Consumers are increasingly concerned for animal well being, and the sustainability of the production systems their food’s raised in. Further, not only are today’s consumers sharing their concerns, but now the businesses who are supplying the public’s demand for a quality beef product raised in a humane and sustainable fashion also want some guarantees that it’s happening throughout the production chain.
Plan to attend on September 6th and enjoy a beef supper by the Fairfield County Cattlemen and then acquire your BQA Certification. And, if you presently have a current BQA Certification, you’re still welcome to attend. The entire program is free because of the sponsorship of:
Animal Health International
JD Equipment
Merck Animal Health
Peoples Bank
Fairfield Cattle Company
and the
Fairfield County Cattlemen’s Association
Print this informational flyer and save it as your reminder for September 6!