Producers get educational resources for operational improvement, and ways to talk with consumers about the beef industry


The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is pleased to announce that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is partnering with the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, and will be sponsoring the cost of BQA certification for American cattlemen and cattlewomen this spring.

The cost of BQA certification is normally $25-$50; however, between Feb. 11, 2013 and March 15, 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will defray the cost of the certification, making it free for producers.

"BQA provides cattlemen with the tools they need to produce the safest, highest quality beef in the world while also looking at ways to make their operations more efficient and productive," said BQA Senior Director Ryan Ruppert.

Ruppert notes that BQA is the gold standard of livestock handling and animal welfare programs, and that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.'s support of BQA certification demonstrates the company's commitment to improving the industry and telling consumers about the sound production practices most cattlemen use every day. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. has also placed emphasis on managing herd health before problems arise to prevent issues and keep operations running efficiently.

The BQA has customized programs specific to cow/calf, stocker, feedlot or dairy operations. These easy to use modules teach sound management techniques they can apply to their operation. The cattle industry has embraced BQA because it is the right thing to do; but certified producers also report improvements in efficiency and increased profitability. It also helps cattle operations tell their story to consumers who might not understand all of the safety measures cattlemen take in producing the food on the table.

"We're proud to partner with BQA to bring this important certification program to more American cattlemen and dairy producers," said David Korbelik, director of cattle marketing for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. "Much like our Prevention Works approach to animal health, BQA is about monitoring and making incremental improvements throughout the life cycle to prevent disease and ensure a quality end product. We will also be working with the BQA to allow access to the training and certification program for animal health and veterinary students."

Those interested in taking advantage of this BQA certification opportunity can go to http://BIVI-BQA.com. "It's clear that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is committed to helping consumers understand that beef is produced in a safe and humane manner," said Ruppert. "This partnership will help producers learn about the latest industry advancements and demonstrate the ways they continue to provide a top-quality food product."

For more information on the BQA program visit www.BQA.org. To complete the BQA certification process, visit www.BQA.org/team.Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica logo

To learn more about the Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Prevention Works program, visit www.bivipreventionworks.com. To learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. visit www.bi-vetmedica.com/cattle.

Like Boehringer Ingelheim Prevention Works on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BIVIPreventionWorks.

02.07.2013