Updates in the Beef Industry
Updates as of October 14, 2026.
- The national Beef Quality Assurance program is a voluntary industry-wide program that is producer-driven and based on the most current research-based cattle care practices.
- Many food service companies view the BQA program as the U.S. producer certification program to meet consumer expectations related to claims about animal welfare, environmental stewardship and sustainability, and food safety.
- Thus, major packers are committing to source BQA-certified beef to meet these expectations of consumers, restaurants, and food service companies.
- Some sale/auction barns in South Dakota require BQA certifications to sell cattle.
- Current companies with BQA sourcing claims can be found in Table 1 below (please note that these are only some examples).
| Company | Requires BQA? | Requires BQAT? |
|---|---|---|
| American Foods Group | No – follow their company rules | No – follow their company rules |
| Cargill | Yes | Yes |
| DemKota Ranch Beef | No – highly encouraged. Have own standards. | No – highly encouraged. Have own standards. |
| JBS | Yes | Yes |
| National Beef | Yes | Yes |
| Tyson | Yes | Yes |
| U.S. Premium Beef | Yes | Yes |
| Greater Omaha Packing | Yes | Yes |
Do I need BQA certification?
(Credit: SDSU Department of Animal Science)
- Yes, if the packer you sell to requires it. Talk to your buyer to and confirm deadlines and expectations for verifying your certification status.
- Yes, if the sale/auction barn you are selling through requires it. Work with the barn you plan to use to ensure you provide the correct verification forms.
- Yes, if you want your feedyard to be listed on the National Feedyard Assessment Database.
- At a minimum, the owner, manager, and other key personnel at the yard must maintain Beef Quality Assurance certification.
- All other employees need to have documented training in their animal care tasks; this could include Beef Quality Assuranc certification.
Do I need BQA Transportation (BQAT) certification?
- Yes, if you are hauling directly to a harvest facility that requires it (see Table 1 above). Talk to your buyer or plant official to determine specific deadlines when the plant will begin asking for verification of your certification.
- Producers or haulers delivering cattle to auction barns or cattle feeding facilities are highly encouraged to get their BQAT certification
South Dakota BQA Program Updates
- Coordinated by SDSU Extension. Contact BQA state coordinator, Paige Madison.
- Recertification must be completed by taking either an in-person or online course.
- In-person trainings are often hosted throughout the state – watch the SDSU Extension events calendar for more details.
- In-person certification fees may apply, while online certification is always free.
- Veterinarians, beef industry personnel, and SDSU Extension Beef/Dairy Specialists can become South Dakota BQA Trainers and offer in-person BQA certification trainings.
- Contact the BQA state coordinator for more information on becoming a trainer.
- A BQA certification is valid for 3 years.
