Source  Ann Bagel Storck, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/31/10

Applications for the third annual National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards are now being accepted.

The National BQA Award will recognize one beef producer and one dairy producer that best demonstrate animal care and handling principles as part of the day-to-day activities on their respective operations. A common trait among all contest entrants must be a strong desire to continually improve BQA on their operations while encouraging others to implement the producer education program.

The National BQA Award is funded by Safeway's Rancher's Reserve beef brand and Cargill, and supported by the Beef Checkoff Program. The program promotes beef quality assurance in all segments of the industry, including commercial cow-calf, seedstock, stocker operators, feedlots and dairy operations.

Two National BQA Award winners will be selected by a committee of representatives from universities, state beef councils and affiliated groups. Nominations can be submitted by any organization, group, or individual on behalf of a U.S. beef producer. Individuals and families may not nominate themselves, but the nominees are expected to be involved in the preparation of the application.

Applications for the 2011 National BQA Awards are due Aug. 1. To download the application, click here.

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