Iowa BQA
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) works to protect consumer confidence in our beef supply and to return more profits to producers. All individuals who have the opportunity to influence the quality and handling of cattle are encouraged to become certified.
Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Program
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) works to protect consumer confidence in our beef supply and to return more profits to producers. All individuals who have the opportunity to influence the quality and handling of cattle are encouraged to become certified.
BQA Award Nominations
Know an Iowa cattle producer who goes above and beyond in BQA? Nominate them for an Iowa BQA Award and help us recognize their commitment to quality and animal care.
Iowa BQA Regional Educators
Iowa BQA Coordinator - IBIC Director of Industry Relations | 515-296-2305
Iowa Beef Specialists
Region 1 Educator - Lauryn Smidt, ISU Beef Specialist
Region 2 Educator - Russ
Euken, ISU Beef Specialist
Region 3 Educator - Denise
Schwab, ISU Beef Specialist
Region 4 Educator - Erika
Lundy-Woolfolk, ISU Beef Specialist
Region 5 Educator - Chris
Clark, ISU Beef Specialist
Region 6 Educator - Patrick Wall, ISU Beef Specialist
Upcoming BQA Events
Earn your BQA Certification at one of our upcoming BQA Workshops.
Wednesday, September 16th 2026 | BQA Training
Decorah, IA
Decorah Sales Commission2123 Madison Rd
Decorah, IA
BQA training @ 8:30AM - 10:00AM
For more information: Contact Denise Schwab at 319-472-4739 or [email protected].
Contact: Region 3 Educator - Denise Schwab, ISU Beef Specialist
Thank you to Decorah Sales Commission for sponsoring this training.
Monday, September 21st, 2026 | BQA Training
Orange City, IA
Sioux County Extension Office
400 Central Ave. NW #700
Orange City, IA 51041
BQA training @ 10AM - Noon
RSVP Required: Call the office at 712-737-4230 to RSVP.
Contact: Region 1 Educator - Lauryn Smidt, ISU Beef Specialist
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 | BQA Training
Le Mars, IA
Plymouth County Extension Office
251 12th St. SE
Le Mars, IA 51031
BQA training @ 1PM - 3PM
RSVP Required: Call the office at 712-546-7835 to RSVP.
Contact: Region 1 Educator - Lauryn Smidt, ISU Beef Specialist
Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 | BQA & BQAT Training
Donnellson, IA
Pilot Grove Community Room
509 N. Main St.
Donnellson, IA 52625
BQA training @ 6PM, and BQAT training to follow.
A light meal will be provided courtesy of Lee County Cattlemen & Pilot Grove Savings Bank.
RSVP Appreciated: Text 319-470-8558 or email [email protected]
Contact: Region 6 Educator - Patrick Wall, ISU Beef Specialist
Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 | BQA Training
Sac City, IA
Sac County Extension Office
620 Park Ave
Sac City, IA 50583
BQA training @ 1PM - 3PM
RSVP Required: Call the office at 712-662-7131 to RSVP.
Contact: Region 1 Educator - Lauryn Smidt, ISU Beef Specialist
Wednesday, November 11th, 2026 | BQA Training
Emmetsburg, IA
Palo Alto County Extension Office
2008 10th St.
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
BQA training @ 1PM - 3PM
RSVP Required: Call the office at 712-852-2685 to RSVP.
Contact: Region 1 Educator - Lauryn Smidt, ISU Beef Specialist
2025 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Award Winners
The Iowa Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) awards honor producers and industry partners who are nominated by their peers—fellow cattlemen and women who witness firsthand the leadership, innovation and dedication these operations bring to the beef industry every day.
Iowa BQA Marketer Award
Equity Livestock Cooperative
Waukon, Iowa
Iowa BQA Educator Award
Dr. Cole Barrack
Monticello, Iowa
Iowa BQA Feedlot Award
J.W. fruend Farms, Inc.
Lewis, Iowa
Iowa BQA Cow-Calf Award
Eric & Jane Russell Farms
Monticello, Iowa
BQA Online Certification
Are you looking to get BQA Certified, but want to do it from home? Do chores have you too busy to come to town for a BQA training event? Online training options are available from anywhere!
National Beef Quality Audit
The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) is a comprehensive survey that evaluates beef industry efforts to improve beef quality. Conducted every five years since 1991, the checkoff-funded audit assesses progress the industry makes on a variety of production issues that ultimately affect consumer demand for beef.
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