UW Extension Hosts Beef Quality Assurance Training

By Blake Jackson

UW-Madison’s Division of Extension, in partnership with the Wisconsin Beef Council, will host a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification meeting on February 16, 2026, at the Eau Claire County Extension Office in Altoona, Wisconsin.

The session will begin at 6:30 p.m., with registration opening 30 minutes beforehand. The Extension Office is located at 227 1st St. West, Altoona, WI 54720. Interested participants can register online or by contacting the Wisconsin Beef Council directly by phone at 1-800-728-2333.

In addition to the in-person meeting, producers who need to renew their BQA certification have other flexible options available. One option is completing certification online through the Beef Learning Center website.

Participants can log into an existing account or create a new one, then select a foundational BQA course such as Cow/Calf, Stocker/Backgrounder, or Feedyard. These courses are self-paced, allowing producers to complete lessons over time while the system automatically tracks progress.

Another renewal pathway is through continuing education (CE) credits, which are available to producers who currently hold an active BQA certification. By earning three CE credits, producers can extend their certification for an additional three years. Credit-eligible courses include topics such as transportation, biosecurity, herd health, and stockmanship.

Extension-hosted meetings throughout the year may also offer CE credit opportunities. Assistance with account access is available by email or phone for those who need help navigating the system.

Beyond certification, the BQA program plays a vital role in strengthening the beef industry’s reputation. By following BQA best management practices, producers demonstrate a commitment to animal care, food safety, and responsible production. Research supported by the Beef Checkoff shows that BQA education increases consumer trust and confidence in how beef is produced.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix