Input from every segment of the beef industry nationwide—cow-calf, stocker, feeder, dairy and others—is encouraged to participate in the 2016 National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA). The survey will help establish a benchmark and course for the beef sector for 2017 and beyond.

The checkoff-funded survey will collect producer information and opinions, which will be added to the audit’s traditional production research to form an in-depth look at where the industry stands and what its successes and shortcomings are.

“It’s very important that every interested producer weigh in with their information and opinions,” said Jesse Fulton, NBQA audit manager. “By having substantial participation in the survey across all industry segments, we create the best opportunity for determining where the industry is and where we need to take it.”

The anonymous survey can be accessed at the Beef Quality Assurance website.

Since its inception in 1991, NBQA has provided a meaningful set of guideposts and measurements relative to the quality conformance of the U.S. beef supply. Conducted every five years, it’s based on a set of core principles:

  • Only that which is measured can be effectively managed;
  • An industrywide scorecard provides direction to individual decision-makers across the beef supply chain to improve the quality and value of the U.S. beef supply; and
  • Identifying and correcting quality shortfalls and non-conformance will lead to greater profitability through improved beef demand in both domestic and international markets, the capture of lost opportunities, and commitment to the hard work of continuous improvement.

The 2011 NBQA survey concluded the industry has come a long way in terms of improving beef quality and suggested significant changes for further improvement in product integrity and eating satisfaction.

Similar information is expected in the 2016 NBQA.

“With broad participation, this survey will help establish a clearer picture of our industry from the producer’s view in 2016,” Fulton said. “We hope every producer will access the survey and take the time to honestly and candidly answer the questions so that our final results will be as complete as possible.”

Survey participants can choose to leave their contact information to be entered for a chance to win a YETI® Tundra 75 Marine Cooler.

Final results of the 2016 NBQA will be released in July 2017.

For more information about beef checkoff investments, visit txbeef.org.