The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced the release of a comprehensive industry feedyard audit tool.
The Cattle Industry Feedyard Audit was built based on Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) principles and includes essential animal care standards that are directly related to animal health and welfare that contribute to a safe beef supply.
There are two primary components of the audit tool: a review of documents; and feedyard observations. Auditors will review documented protocols, records and potentially conduct employee interviews to verify protocols are being followed.
Auditors will also conduct observations of pens, handling facilities, and animal observations both in pens and during processing. Results from the audit can provide information back to the feedyard to measure the effectiveness of the operation’s implementation of BQA standards. It will also certify that participating feedlots adhere to industry best practices and provide an increased level of transparency for beef customers and consumers.
For more information and to view the audit tool, visit ncba.org/feedyardaudit.aspx.
