38 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN December 2025 PEERS NEBRASKA BQA 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW LINDSAY WAECHTER-MEAD, DVM, MS | DIRECTOR OF NEBRASKA BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE AND NEBRASKA EXTENSION LIVESTOCK EDUCATOR, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN As 2025 comes to a close, Nebraska’s beef producers can look back on a year that tested resilience, rewarded responsibility and reinforced why programs like Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) matter more than ever. Drought recovery and record-high cattle prices shaped the beef production landscape. Through it all, Nebraska producers continued to prove that quality, care and trust are at the heart of every operation. 2025 was a year of change for the Nebraska BQA program. We reluctantly said goodbye to our fearless leader, Jesse Fulton, in April. Jesse was instrumental in changing the trajectory of Nebraska BQA and worked diligently to make Nebraska a leader in the National BQA space. Whether he was leading state BQA trainings or expanding the BQA network with industry professionals and beef producers across the nation, his commitment to the Nebraska beef industry was unwavering. We thank him for setting the stage for future generations. I was fortunate to serve as interim director following Jesse’s departure in mid-April and officially assumed the director role Sept. 1. Throughout my time with Nebraska Extension, I have had the privilege of leading county-level, in-person trainings and assisting Jesse with state and national events, including the 2023 Stockmanship and Stewardship sessions. My experience in private veterinary practice, leadership within the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association and management of my own cattle herd has strengthened my foundation in the core principles of the Beef Quality Assurance program. On that note, Dr. Griffin respectfully reminded me that there are “no most valuable players in BQA” because it takes everyone committed to doing the right thing. I could not agree more. This year, the Nebraska BQA program hosted 20 in-person trainings. As of this writing, we have reached 1,049 producers through in-person trainings, due to a collaborative effort of Nebraska Extension professionals and BQA-certified Nebraska veterinary trainers from across the state. Additionally, 782 certifications were issued through completion of online modules. With 60 days left in 2025, both numbers look to increase before year end. Currently, there are 7,163 people in Nebraska who hold valid BQA certifications. It’s important to recognize that producers took time out of their busy schedules to update their certification and share their commitment to cattle care and welfare. Nebraska BQA continued to expand educational offerings that reflect real-world challenges on the ranch. Trainings emphasized cattle behavior, low-stress handling, herd health guidelines and practical recordkeeping. Many producers also took advantage of online continuing education modules to stay current on emerging topics like antimicrobial stewardship and animal transport guidelines. Two key goals of the Nebraska BQA program are to equip producers with practical information they can apply immediately and to encourage them to share that knowledge with others who influence their operations. LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026 As we move into 2026, Nebraska BQA will continue to prioritize outreach, accessibility and education. Upcoming efforts will focus on strengthening collaboration with private veterinary practices and veterinary trainers to ensure the BQA program reaches every segment of the beef industry. A renewed emphasis will also be placed on developing the next generation of beef producers by expanding youth certification opportunities. Goals include increasing certification among animal science and veterinary science students across the state, future veterinarians in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, and 4-H and FFA youth participants. Finally, Nebraska BQA plans to offer Spanish training options at most of our in-person events, increasing the reach and accessibility of the BQA program. New online tools, such as an updated website and quarterly newsletters, will make it easier for producers to stay informed and connect with local educators. Efforts to strengthen communication within the statewide BQA trainer network will include offering continuing education opportunities twice per year and expanding the electronic resources available to trainers and producers alike. The BQA program represents a lasting commitment. In a year defined by tight supplies, strong prices and constant adaptation, that dedication has set Nebraska producers apart. Every BQA principle adopted within an operation reflects an investment in the reputation of Nebraska beef. I look forward to meeting you down the road! For more information on Beef Quality Assurance or how to become certified, visit bqa.unl.edu or bqa.org. ~NC~
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