RAPID CITY, S.D. – Anyone involved in raising or handling cattle has an opportunity to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified at an upcoming training course.

And there are a number of reasons why they should – including a financial one.

A Colorado State University study found that feeder cattle and calves listed as BQA-certified in video auction descriptions brought an average premium of $16.80 per head (about $2.71 per hundredweight) compared to similar non-certified lots.

The BQA program guides producers toward continuous improvement using science-based production practices that assure cattle well-being, beef quality and safety, while adding increasing profitability on the ranch and on sale day.

“This training is part of our mission to help South Dakota beef producers continuously improve their operations and protect their animals,” said Paige Madison, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Field Specialist and South Dakota BQA Coordinator.

Set for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, training will begin at 3:30 p.m. (MT) at West River Research and Extension in Rapid City. Registration is free and includes training materials. The training will take approximately two and half hours.

The BQA program provides educational opportunities for beef and dairy farmers and ranchers throughout the state and works to improve the quality of beef produced by connecting producers with the newest research and animal care techniques.

During the event, attendees can become BQA certified and certification is valid for three years. By becoming BQA certified, producers can enhance herd profitability through improved management, safeguard the public image of the beef industry, uphold consumer confidence in beef, and boost the sale of marketed beef cattle.

“As a cattle producer, I believe this is a very important time to get your BQA certification. BQA is increasingly utilized in our industry to show consumers that we are focused on continual improvement in beef quality and animal care,” said Dr. Trey Patterson, CEO of Padlock Ranch Company and chair of the BQA Advisory Group. “There is no better way to leverage our story than through a grassroots and science-based program like BQA.”

For more information contact Paige Madison, SDSU Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Field Specialist and South Dakota BQA Coordinator, at 605-995-7378 or Paige.Madison@sdstate.edu.

Free registration here. Use the search word ‘beef’.