Ag Excellence Beef Line-Item
The Pennsylvania Beef Working Group brings together regional beef producers and stakeholders from Pennsylvania’s beef-focused agricultural organizations to support producers and strengthen the Commonwealth’s beef industry. Through education, industry resources, research, collaborative initiatives, and more, the Working Group serves as a unified network connecting producers with tools, expertise, and opportunities to enhance productivity, sustainability, and long-term success.
Together, these efforts foster collaboration, address evolving industry needs, and position Pennsylvania’s beef industry for continued growth and prosperity. Funding support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Ag Excellence line item helps make these producer-focused educational programs, resources, and industry initiatives possible.
The Beef Working Group
The Beef Working Group brings together Pennsylvania producers and stakeholders to monitor the needs of the beef industry and create educational opportunities that enhance performance and production. This coordinated effort is led by the Penn State Extension Livestock Team, PA Beef Council, Center for Beef Excellence, Center for Dairy Excellence, and the PA Cattlemen’s Association.
Beef Quality Assurance
The Pennsylvania Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program is dedicated to educating producers about best management practices, ensuring proper animal care on farms. This initiative involves nearly 8,000 producers who are trained to guarantee a safe, wholesome, and high-quality beef product for consumers to enjoy.
Youth Outreach
Key initiatives surround the PA Beef to PA Schools program which is solely supported by this funding line, which works to provide quality local beef and beef products monthly to schools across the Commonwealth to BEEF-Up the lunch tray. While providing producer market access, the program connects youth with the local farming community through education and awareness, helping to bridge the information gap and support the growth of the beef industry in Pennsylvania.
Center for Beef Excellence (CBE)
CBE fosters collaboration, drives profitability, and enhances productivity for Pennsylvania beef producers. By focusing on grant programs, production, management, education, youth and organizational support, CBE plays a pivotal role in strengthening the beef industry across the state.
News Releases
Stay up to date on Ag Excellence Beef-Line Item Funded programs and events.
PA Beef Working Group Announces Fall 2026 Educational Opportunities for Pennsylvania Beef Producers
Fall lineup includes hands-on workshops, pasture walks, and a five-part webinar series covering herd management, grazing, animal health, marketing, and more.
