Hoffman Receives Beef Quality Assurance Award

Hoffman Receives Beef Quality Assurance Award

March 4, 2020

Richland County beef producer J. Scott Hoffman was recognized with the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Producer of the Year award at the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association 2020 Winter Conference. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Beef Council, the award recognizes a Wisconsin beef producer who has implemented BQA practices on the farm; helped in the promotion of the BQA program in Wisconsin; and helped improve animal care practices for the beef industry. 

Hoffman is the owner of J&S Angus Farms in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. The cow/calf and seedstock operation raises registered and commercial Angus cattle, all of which are performance-tested on an annual basis. Hoffman became BQA-certified in 2010 and continues to maintain his certification. 

“Farmers and ranchers are the true definition of ‘active environmentalists’,” Hoffman says. “We are working 24/7 to produce a nutritious and safe protein product while being stewards of the land to future generations.” 

A fifth-generation farmer, Hoffman believes raising cattle is the most responsible and economical way to farm the driftless region of southwest Wisconsin. He continually demonstrates a dedication not only to his operation, but also to the well-being of his local community and the strength of our state’s beef industry.  

A long-time advocate and member of the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Hoffman has also served two terms on the board of directors and as past president for the Richland County Cattlemen’s Association; and is a long-time member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Hoffman’s involvement and dedication to the well-being of his cattle, his local community, and the beef industry on state and national levels make him an exceptional recipient of the BQA Producer of the Year Award.  

Beef producers across the country can voluntarily participate in the Beef Quality Assurance program. The nationally coordinated, state-implemented program provides U.S. beef producers with information of how common-sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA programs include best practices around good record-keeping and protecting herd health, which can result in more profit for beef producers. When better quality cows leave the farm and reach the marketplace, the producer, packer and consumer all benefit. 

Cattle producers can become BQA certified by either attending an in-person training or taking the online course at bqa.org. Beef Quality Assurance certifications must be renewed every three years in order to maintain an active certification. In Wisconsin, the BQA program is jointly managed by the Wisconsin Beef Council and UW-Extension. Beef or dairy producers interested in certification can find more information at https://www.bqa.org/bqa-certification/certification/wisconsin.