Answering a challenge to reduce the use of antimicrobial products, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Assn. (NCBA) continues to increase participation in its Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. By increasing BQA certification numbers, NCBA seeks to ensure that beef producers are responsible and judicious in their use of antimicrobial products through every segment of the industry.

In 2018, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention set forward a challenge to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Since its launch, the AMR Challenge has been one of the most ambitious global initiatives to combat antibiotic resistance, garnering broad support and engagement from across sectors, states and countries.

NCBA said it believes “responsible use of antimicrobial drugs will aid in preserving the future effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against common pathogens in both human and animal species.”

Year to date, the number of beef producers who have completed certification exceeds 318,000 producers, an increase of more than 73% over last year’s number. In fact, NCBA said 85% of beef in the U.S. currently comes from cattle that have been raised by BQA-certified cattle producers. In all, a total of 318,415 producers have completed a BQA training program.

“NCBA is proud of the efforts of our beef producing community to take steps necessary to improve and protect our beef supply. The motto of BQA outreach is ‘The Right Way is the Only Way,’ and we stand behind that principle and the industry’s work to supply consumers with the safest, highest-quality beef possible,” the organization said.