N.C. Cooperative Extension of Yancey County will be hosting a Beef Quality Assurance Certification Training on October 27-28, 2026. This training will be made up of 2 sessions. The first session will be in the classroom, and the 2nd session will be a hands-on chute side training conducted on farm. Beef Cattle producers that would like to become NC-BQA Certified, or that need to renew their certification are invited to participate.

NC Beef Quality Assurance (NC-BQA) is a partnership among beef producers, veterinarians, Extension professionals, North Carolina State University, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association, and the North Carolina Cattlemen's Beef Council. NC-BQA equips producers with science-based education and best management practices that strengthen consumer confidence, support cattle health and welfare, and promote continuous improvement on the farm. By becoming NC-BQA certified, producers demonstrate their commitment to responsible stewardship while positioning their operations for current and future market opportunities.

NC-BQA certification requires attending a certification training instructed by a NC-BQA Certified Instructor, passing the NC-BQA certification exam, and completing the NC-BQA producer agreement.

What is the Cost to Become NC-BQA Certified?

• NC-BQA Certification cost $15 for producers that are members of the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association. NC-BQA Certification is good for 3 years.
• For those that are not members of the NC Cattlemen's Association, the cost is $65, but this also includes 1 year membership in the association ($50 membership + $15 Certification).
• Students can be NC-BQA Certified for $15. This includes a $10 NC Cattlemen's Association Student Members, and a $5 BQA Certification.
• Do you want to attend the training to learn, but do not necessarily want to be certified? That is absolutely possible! There is no cost to attend the training for those producers that want to learn, but do not desire to become NC-BQA Certified.

Payment for those obtaining certification should be made by check. Checks should be made out to NCCA. Certification fees will be collected on the first day of training.

NC-BQA Certification focuses around training needs identified through the National Beef Quality Audit. This audit has been conducted once every 5 years since 1991. More specificially, the upcoming certification training will cover BQA best management practices for beef operators related to animal health, nutrition, animal handling, transporting animals, recommended record keeping practices, and much more.