There are four major reasons for going through the certification process. The first major reason for BQA certification is to gain, or in some cases, regain the confidence of the consumer. Whether producers want to believe it or not, consumers drive the market and the Iowa beef industry needs to do everything in their power as producers and businesses to offer the safest product in both domestic and foreign markets. Keeping consumer confidence leads into the second point, which is product accountability. If we keep the consumers confidence with a safe, healthy and nutritious product, it will be that much easier to have accountability with the beef that is being produced in Iowa.
Producers can also make better business decisions with the use of records.
Record keeping allows operations to determine which part of their production system may need some adjustments or changes. It also gives them something to fall back to if there are questions about treatments or source verification. BQA is very economical as well. With the use of records and keeping the consumer needs met, it should lead to greater demand for beef and more return to everyone's bottom line. Anyone directly responsible with the handling or administration of pesticides, feed additives, pharmaceuticals or vaccines should and can be certified for Beef Quality Assurance.