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Beef Quality Assurance

Updated January 07, 2026
Professional headshot of Robin Salverson

Robin Salverson

SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist

Certification and Re-Certification

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Two options exist, online or in-person courses, for certifying or recertifying your Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification. All in-person certification courses must be taught by certified BQA trainers. In-person certification trainings typically have a registration fee, whereas the online course is always free and available any time.

In-Person Trainings

Upcoming Extension-hosted in-person certification trainings are typically advertised on the SDSU Extension events calendar. Individuals looking for in-person BQA certification courses in their area can also directly contact one of the Certified South Dakota BQA Trainers. Cattlemen or companies wanting to host an in-person certification course are encouraged to organize a group and contact a trainer or the State BQA Coordinator.

Producers may attend in-person BQA certification trainings in surrounding states, and producers from any state may certify at a South Dakota training. If a trainer has questions, tell them to contact a Certified South Dakota BQA Trainer.

Contact a Trainer

Certified South Dakota BQA Trainers

The primary role of certified South Dakota BQA Trainers is to conduct in-person BQA certification courses. They can also assist producers with writing standard operating procedures (SOPs), employee training resources or providing example templates for required BQA records.

South Dakota BQA Trainers may assist producers with completing voluntary, on-farm assessments (BQA Feedyard Assessment, Stocker Assessment or Cow-Calf Assessment). Use the button below to find a certified South Dakota BQA Trainer in your area to learn more.

Find a Trainer

BQA Interest Form

Want to learn more? Use the form below to receive more information about the BQA program or upcoming training events near you!

Upcoming Events

group of students looking at a pair of beef cattle
Jan 22

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Faulkton

SDSU Extension will host a Beef Quality Assurance training on January 22 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the Faulkton City Hall (105 8th Ave, Faulkton, SD 57438) for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

Producer observing a group of cattle in a holding pen.
Jan 22

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Leola

SDSU Extension will host a Beef Quality Assurance training on January 22 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Leola Municipal Building (742 Sherman St, Leola, SD 57456)for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

Male and female producer examining a small group of mixed cattle in a pole barn.
Jan 23

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Britton

SDSU Extension will host a Beef Quality Assurance training on January 23 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the SDSU Extension Marshall County Office (909 Main St, Britton, SD 57430) for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

two ranchers carrying feed buckets to small group of cattle
Jan 27

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Mitchell

SDSU Extension will host a Beef Quality Assurance training on January 27 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. at the SDSU Extension Mitchell Regional Center (1800 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301) for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

two ranchers carrying feed buckets to small group of cattle
Feb 10

Virtual Beef Quality Assurance Training

SDSU Extension will host a virtual Beef Quality Assurance program on February 10 from 2:00-4:30 p.m. CST for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

A group of participants of the beefSD program
Feb 12

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Watertown

SDSU Extension will host a Beef Quality Assurance training on February 12 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at the SDSU Extension Coddington County Office - Room B(1910 W Kemp Ave, Watertown, SD 57201) for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.