Skip to main content

Quality Assurance

All Quality Assurance Content

two men viewing a laptop on the hood of a white pickup

Beef Quality Assurance

South Dakota producers have the option to receive beef quality assurance (BQA) certification.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

veterinarian using a stethoscope on a horse

Animal Health & Care

The health and well-being of animals matters to all who care for them.

Two ranchers participating in beef quality assurance training at a cattle facility.

Certified South Dakota BQA Trainers

Certified South Dakota BQA Trainers may assist producers with completing voluntary on-farm assessments. View a list of certified trainers throughout the state to get started today!

Producers unloading a herd of young swine from a transport vehicle.

Benefits of Transport Quality Assurance Certification

The Transport Quality Assurance® certification program from the National Pork Board is designed to promote the highest standards of animal welfare and pork quality during transportation.

FDA-approved sharps disposal containers.

Where Do the Sharps Go?

Sharps used in livestock husbandry practices are considered medical or infectious waste. Regardless of why an animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way.

Cover of the PQA Plus Education Handbook, Version 5.0.

Introducing PQA Plus Version 5.0

Continuing the pork industry’s commitment to incorporate the latest scientific knowledge and production methods, PQA Plus Version 5.0 addresses food safety, animal well-being, environmental stewardship, worker safety, public health and community.

Heavy-duty cooler with color-coded slots for vaccines and a compartment for syringe and supplies.

Management Tips for Vaccines and Injectables

A good herd health plan involves both a vaccination program and treatment plan developed with your veterinarian. The ultimate success of a vaccination program depends on how we handle and administer vaccines to our animals.

An dairy farmer and site inspector talking near a fence outside a dairy dairy barn.

Preparing for FARM Animal Care Evaluations

The FARM Animal Care Version 4.0 rolled out January 2020. This article is a condensed tool to aid you in preparing for your next evaluation.

A statue of a dairy cow on a landscaped terrace in front of a long dairy barn.

Being Vigilant of Livestock Property Security and Surveillance

Livestock producers have many daily responsibilities when it comes to caring for and protecting their animals. One responsibility is to remain vigilant regarding individuals that oppose the use of animals for food or other purposes.