Executive Vice President’s Perspective
By Michael Kelsey
“Because it’s the right thing to do!”

I remember those words from a very good friend and beef producer, Burke Healey. Burke was a leader not only in the beef industry, but in many other respects as well. I have often stopped to reflect on many of Burke’s comments and actions. Sports figures often occupy the hero status for boys and young men. Burke was a hero in the beef industry!

The merit of the Beef Quality Assurance program is not in the recovery of lost value due to bruises, misplaced shots or stressful handling. The worth of the BQA program is the integrity of our industry confidently producing an awesome product. How do you value integrity? “Priceless,” according to my good friend. Debate will continue in coffee shops over how much value a producer receives for BQA-certifying his or her operation. Data proves that premiums do exist, as do discounts. But there will always be that fundamental question, “What is the right thing to do?” 

I have heard every excuse in the book from producers for not becoming BQA certified. Interestingly, none of them address the question of integrity. Now, please understand that I am not accusing any producer of lacking integrity. That is neither my place nor my right. But let’s quit beating around the bush and let the garden grow. If all we see in the BQA program is recovered dollars, then we are truly missing the big picture. If you are a beef producer, the consumer admires you, looks to you as the true American hero. John Wayne you are! Why should we do anything that would degrade our positive reputation? True, the Duke had his enemies, but they were the kind of folks who were feared, not respected.

When discussions over the safety and wholesomeness of beef arise (and they do every day), it is reassuring to those observing the debate that our producers are adopting management practices outlined in the BQA program – voluntarily adopting these practices as well! NC leadership has called upon examples from the BQA program in testimony before legislative committees. We have utilized case points from the BQA program in media interviews, sharing the commitment of producers to a quality product. I could continue, but you see the point.

Encourage your fellow producers to join you in becoming BQA certified. Yes, because it captures lost value. Yes, because it is better management for our livestock. But most important, “Because it’s the right thing to do!” Kelsey is NC executive vice president. He can be reached at mkelsey@necattlemen.org.