32 Nebraska Cattleman December 2023 BQA By Jesse Fulton, M.S., Nebraska Beef Extension Educator Director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance A Year in Review for Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Another year has come and gone for the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. This year was one for the record books, and I mean that literally. Not only did the Nebraska BQA program excel in BQA certifications, but also National BQA Awards and BQA-partnered events. For those who do not know, since 2009, the National Beef Quality Assurance Award recognizes outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers and educators who best demonstrate animal care and handling principles as part of the day-to-day activities on their respective operations. A common trait among all contest entrants must be a strong desire to continually improve BQA on their operations while encouraging others to implement the educa2023 BQA COW-CALF OPERATION OF THE YEAR – WILSON FLYING DIAMOND RANCH 2023 BQA FEEDYARD OF THE YEAR – DARR FEEDLOT INC. 2023 BQA DAIRY OF THE YEAR – TEMME AGRIBUSINESS 2023 BQA EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – TOM NOFFSINGER, DVM Please refer to the March 2023 issue of the Nebraska Cattleman for full profiles on each of the four Nebraska award winners in these categories. tion programs. National BQA Award entrants are typically nominated by state BQA coordinators and are selected by a committee of representatives from universities, state beef councils and affiliated groups. Five National BQA Awards (Beef Cow-Calf, Feedyard, Dairy, Marketer and Educator) are funded in part by the Beef Checkoff program with additional financial support provided by Cargill Meat Solutions. This year, Nebraska BQA was the first ever to submit a nomination for each of the five categories. Nebraska producers, operators and educators have been honored with this award six times in the past. In 2023, Nebraska BQA was the first state ever to win four of the categories in one year. Nebraska Hosts National Stockmanship & Stewardship Events This year, Nebraska hosted the National Stockmanship & Stewardship regional events, which are a unique educational experience featuring lowstress cattle handling demonstrations, facility design sessions and a wide variety of additional educational sessions. More than 150 Nebraska producers participated in the event where the latest in industry-relevant production practices, information and education was presented to ensure that cattle proMore than 150 Nebraska producers were hosted over the course of two single-day Stockmanship & Stewardship events. The events bring the latest in industry-relevant practices, information and education to ensure that cattle producers are well informed. Herd That! Conference participants learn about body condition scoring and safely feeding horses. CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
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