Changes are coming for some cattle feeders in the region. Several packers are changing the requirements for producers who market their cattle, making it mandatory for feeders to participate in the Beef Quality Assurance Program. Iowa State University Extension Beef Specialist, Beth Doran, says some producers may already be implementing the practices recommended by BQA standards, but packers want to be sure their product is being raised by the best practices.
Doran says there is one particular packer who will be visiting feeding facilities as well as setting other standards their feedlots will have to follow.
Doran says these changes have already been mandated by other smaller packers and will likely become standard. As a result ISU Extension, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are hosting meetings today for any producers wanting to be BQA certified. They will be held at the Plymouth County Extension in Le Mars, the Lohff-Schumann Rec Center in Holstein, and the Palo Alto Extension office in Emmetsburg.
