The volume of cattle produced is growing and the quality of production is improving year after year. All the buyers recognize this value, which compares favourably with the quality of cattle produced elsewhere in Canada and in the United States.

Quality is evaluated by the degree of marbling (A, AA, AAA or Prime in Canada and Select, Choice or Prime in the U.S.), greater uniformity in carcass weights, superior genetics and the majority of cattle being slaughtered before they are 21 months old.

The degree of marbling is a differentiation factor for the final product marketed by retailers and establishments in the HRI network (hotels, restaurants, institutions). Thanks to the efforts of producers, the percentage of cattle produced in Quebec with an AAA rating has increased significantly in recent years and is now more than 50% of production.

Bovitrace, a management aid

A great deal of information is gathered, recorded and analysed daily by feedlots.

Aware of these needs and eager to improve the management of their operations, cattle producers have, since 2003, invested in the development of the Bovitrace software. This tool, based on the permanent identification of each animal helps to track current transactions, keep records, analyse results and manage incoming animals and lots sold.

For details on this tracing, herd management and health management software, consult our Web site : www.bovitrace.com 

Veterinary expertise

Since January 2003, cattle producers have offered veterinary expertise services specifically for their production sector. Through these services, tools and specialized veterinary expertise are available to veterinarians and producers. 

This program enables producers and industry stakeholders to have access to a wide range of leading-edge information through a dedicated Web site. It contains fact sheets, articles and more detailed reports and training documents. A database is also being developed. For details on this program visit : www.santedesbouvillons.qc.ca

Boeuf qualité plus

Eager to contribute actively to improving the quality of production, the agency developed the Bœuf Qualité Plus program for producers who include specific measures and elements of herd management, feeding, health monitoring and biosecurity in their farming practices.

This program was launched in 2002. A Requirements Manual is available as reference for producers who wish to comply with the program’s standards. The Bœuf Qualité Plus program includes all the requirements of the Canadian Verified Beef Production program (on-farm HACCP program). Near 30% of volume of production is produced according the program  requirements. Its implementation on Quebec farms confirms the global quality approach undertaken by the fed cattle sector. or more information, download the newsletter BQP/VBP en action. 

Beef producers wishing to participate in Verified Beef Production (VBP) on-farm food safety program can now complete their workshops online. You can do so by contacting Nathalie Côté, coordinator for Quebec at 450 679-0530 ext: 8460.