Beef Production Facts
Animal WelfareAnimal care and raising cattle go hand-in-hand. Producers know that giving animals the proper care, handling and nutrition they deserve is the right thing to do and it makes good business sense. Farmers and ranchers across the United States stand strongly against any form of animal abuse or cruelty.The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program was initiated in 1987 to provide cattle producers with the tools and training necessary to assure animal health and well-being as well as provide a safe, quality product. BQA principals influence the management practices of more than 90 percent of cattle.
The “Producer Code for Cattle Care,” first developed in 1996, reinforces the industry’s strong stance against animal cruelty or neglect. It contains a comprehensive set of sound production practices and states that “persons who willfully mistreat animals will not be tolerated.” In addition, producer leaders worked with animal health and wellbeing experts to develop the “Guidelines for Care and Handling of Beef Cattle,” which are endorsed by the Academy of Veterinary Consultants and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners as well as the Food Marketing Institute and National Council of Chain Restaurants.
Once cattle leave farms, ranches and feedlots across the country, beef producers have two expectations: that animals are treated humanely and that every step is taken to produce safe beef. Federal meat inspectors assure that meatpacking plants abide by the Humane Slaughter Act of 1958, which dictates strict animal handling and slaughtering standards.
More information
FACT SHEET: Animal Welfare in Cattle Production
FACT SHEET: BQA and Animal Welfare
Media Statement responding to HSUS video: Proper Animal Care and Handling at Livestock Markets
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