2025 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Awards

Contact: Casey Anderson, Director of Industry Relations, Iowa Beef Industry Council, 515-296-2305

The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) celebrated four outstanding Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) award recipients during the 2025 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention, held Tuesday, December 16, at the Prairie Meadows Convention Center.

The awards ceremony recognized cattle producers and industry leaders who exemplify excellence in cattle care, stewardship, and continuous improvement through their commitment to BQA principles.

For more than three decades, Beef Quality Assurance has been a flagship program of the Beef Checkoff, driving industry advancement through science-based standards, benchmarking, and best management practices.

It's incredible how producers have harnessed advancements in feed, technology, cattle care, pharmaceuticals, and genetics to continue moving the needle forward," said IBIC Director of Industry Relations Casey Anderson. "Producers have listened to consumer signals around taste and eating experience, which has resulted in unprecedented demand for beef."

The Iowa BQA awards honor producers and industry partners who are nominated by their peers-fellow cattlemen and women who witness firsthand the leadership, innovation and dedication these operations bring to the beef industry every day.

Equity Cooperative Northeast Iowa Waukon was recognized for its unwavering commitment to low-stress cattle handling and exceptional customer service. The market's mission extends beyond efficiently moving cattle through the ring-it prioritizes positive animal experiences while showcasing customers' livestock at its best.

Serving Northeast Iowa's beef community with four field staff and a dedicated market team, Equity Cooperative specializes in fed cattle, dairy cross, feeder cattle, and cow sales. Their approach demonstrates that strong business performance and compassionate cattle care go hand in hand.

2025 IOWA BQA EDUCATOR AWARD
Dr. Cole Burrack - Monticello Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Cole Burrack has spent the past 12 years building a reputation as both an outstanding veterinarian and a passionate educator. A trusted resource in eastern Iowa, Burrack translates BQA principles into practical, real-world learning opportunities for producers and youth alike.

He regularly volunteers his time to lead hands-on workshops, including breeding soundness exams and animal handling sessions, helping build confidence and curiosity among future beef producers. Clients value his practical guidance, collaborative approach and dedication to helping operations achieve their goals.

2025 IOWA BQA FEEDLOT AWARD
J.W. Freund Farms, Inc. - Lewis, Iowa

Established in the mid-1960s, J.W. Freund Farms was built on a foundation of stewardship and continuous improvement-values that remain central to the operation nearly 60 years later.

Today, the open feedlot has a capacity of approximately 4,000 head and reflects a comprehensive, systems-based commitment to BQA standards. The farm utilizes engineered runoff control systems that meet Clean Water Act requirements and follows detailed protocols to support cattle well-being and environmental protection.

Beyond daily operations, the Freund family serves as a national resource for cattle producers, frequently hosting tours and training. Iowa State University regularly brings students and industry professionals to the farm for hands-on education, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in feedlot management and BQA implementation.

2025 IOWA BQA COW-CALF AWARD
Eric and Jane Russell Farms - Monticello, Iowa

Russell Farms is a family-run cow-calf operation that retains and finishes its calves on the farm, using low-stress cattle handling practices and modern facilities that support animal welfare and safe working conditions.

The Russells are also recognized for their leadership beyond the farm gate. Jane actively shares their BQA-focused practices with consumers and fellow producers through social media and direct-to-consumer beef sales. She also founded Giving Back with Beef, a program that partners with local organizations and leverages grant funding to provide USDA-inspected beef to families in need.

Her commitment to helping others, continuous improvement, and leadership within the Jones County beef community exemplifies the core values of Beef Quality Assurance.

Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally recognized program that provides U.S. beef producers with science-based guidance on animal care, food safety, and management practices. Today, active BQA certification is more important than ever, as the entire beef supply chain relies on the program to ensure confidence in beef quality and cattle well-being.

For more information on Iowa's BQA program and upcoming certification opportunities, visit https://www.iabeef.org/cattlemens-corner/iowa-bqa.

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About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit https://www.iabeef.org.