Self-Assessment Question Master List

Posted: February 25, 2026 in For Cattle Producers

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Upper Iowa Beef producers filling out self assessment form.

Sector: Feed Yard Operator

High Priority Indicator: Air & Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Q 1: Are pen surfaces managed for both wet and dry conditions?

  1. Yes, there are full management practices for both wet and dry conditions.
  2. There are limited management practices or for only one condition.
  3. There are no specific management practices in use.

Q 2: Are road and alley management strategies in place?

  1. Yes, there is full management to reduce or eliminate dust and emissions.
  2. We implement minimal management.
  3. There are no specific management practices in use.

Q 3: Are feed processing dust management strategies in place?

  1. Yes, there is management of the feed mill and loading area and unloading area.
  2. There are minimal management or processes used.
  3. There are no specific management practices in use.

Q 4: Are growth-promoting technologies utilized during the finishing phase to optimize growth?

  1. We utilize technologies extensively to reduce resource usage.
  2. We utilize some technologies.
  3. We do not utilize this type of technology.

Q 5: Are energy uses reviewed periodically looking for opportunities to gain efficiencies or reduce usage?

  1. We actively seek out opportunities for reducing energy use.
  2. As items wear out some attention is given to picking more efficient replacements.
  3. No, we just pick based on price and availability.

High Priority Indicator: Animal Health & Well-Being

Q 6: Are all employees that work with animals BQA certified?

  1. Supervisors and employees are fully trained by certified trainers.
  2. The principles of BQA are followed and there is some training provided.
  3. No training is given and the topic is not addressed.

Q 7: Does the facility utilize professionals to create training and provide oversight for medical treatment and rations?

  1. Yes, we contract or employ a licensed veterinarian or nutritionist.
  2. We sometimes use a vet or a nutritionist but don’t have one regularly providing oversight or training.
  3. No, we only use specialists in rare circumstances.

Q 8: Is there proper training and oversight in place to prohibit animal abuse?

  1. Yes, we have the training and we empower our employees at all levels to watch for issues.
  2. We have some training but there isn’t any process for reporting or even what to report.
  3. No training is given and we live by don’t ask, don’t tell.

Q 9: Is there a plan for antibiotic use and effective review and oversight to ensure proper use?

  1. Yes, we have a vet prepare our protocols, provide training and provide oversight.
  2. We have a veterinarian create our protocols but there is no follow up or training.
  3. No review is made and no training is given.

Q 10: Does the feedyard have a SOP for non-ambulatory animals and euthanasia protocols?

  1. Yes, only persons trained are allowed to euthanize animals.
  2. We don’t have a SOP but we do report down animals to our supervisor and they take care of it.
  3. No SOP and it is up to the supervisors to take care of these issues.

Q 11: Are the proper records of animal treatment and all associated medicines being maintained?

  1. Yes, we have a robust medical system keeping records of all treatments given.
  2. We have a medical system but it isn’t always used or isn’t very robust.
  3. No system is maintained, we try to write down what we have done at the end of the day.

High Priority Indicator: Efficiency & Yield

Q 12: Are closeout metrics and performance tracked and compared over time?

  1. Yes, we are continually looking through the data and attempting to get more efficient.
  2. We look through the data looking for problems and attempting to correct big problems.
  3. No attempt to review the data is made and only minimal effort is made to improve.

Q 13: Are feed rations formulated to optimize resources and performance?

  1. Yes, rations are optimized to improve nutrition and/or performance, while minimizing cost and resources.
  2. Yes, we attempt to provide basic nutrition at the cheapest cost for the performance.
  3. No, we meet basic needs and rarely review our formulas.

Q 14: Are feed ingredients stored to prevent or minimize spoilage and is loss prevention practiced?

  1. Yes, we use multiple methods of protecting our feed ingredients depending on ingredient.
  2. Yes, we use some protection for our ingredients.
  3. Other than keeping the feed from going bad, no effort is made to protect the ingredients.

Q 15: Is energy consumption measured and is there a process to look for more efficient utilization?

  1. Yes, we review energy use in all areas and look for ways to reduce usage and be more efficient.
  2. Yes, when we replace equipment we look to upgrade to more efficient equipment.
  3. No real effort is made to review/reduce energy use other than price.

Q 17: Is feed delivery monitored for efficiency and reviewed for improvements?

  1. Feed delivery is reviewed multiple times and we are always looking for ways to improve through advanced technology, training and practices.
  2. We train the drivers when they start and update equipment only when old equipment needs replacing.
  3. We deliver the feed as best we can, but do not have the resources for updates or trainings.

High Priority Indicator: Employee Safety & Well-Being

Q 18: Does the feedyard have a written safety plan and is it provided to the employees?

  1. Yes, we have a fully developed plan that is updated regularly along with mandatory training.
  2. We have a written safety plan that we got from a state or industry labor group.
  3. Nothing written but accidents are strongly discouraged.

Q 19: Are regular safety meetings held and is job specific training provided?

  1. Regular mandatory meetings are held and additional area-specific training is provided.
  2. We have training and some specific training is done but it isn’t mandatory.
  3. A few times a year someone comes by and talks about safety.

Q 20: Are accidents and injuries documented and reported to OSHA if needed?

  1. We are fully compliant with OSHA reporting, have robust records, and review internally.
  2. We report our required OSHA accidents and have a compliant system for reporting.
  3. We report our serious accidents if Worker’s Compensation is needed.

Q 21: Are benefits provided to full-time employees? (Medical, retirement, etc.)

  1. Yes, full and comprehensive benefits are provided.
  2. Yes, we have some benefits like medical and retirement.
  3. We have v1orker’s compensation but nothing else.

Q 22: Does the feedyard or parent organization support community activities and encourage employee involvement?

  1. We have a structured support/donation policy and encourage our employees to participate/donate.
  2. No formal process but we support our local community, and allow employees to take time to take time to participate.
  3. We buy a sign at the school gym or buy and FFA animal but employees take their own time to participate.

High Priority Indicator: Land Resources

Q 23: Does the feedyard have applicable state and/or federal water and/or environmental permits?

  1. Yes, we have all the applicable licenses and are fully compliant.
  2. We have the EPA water permit or state equivalent as required.
  3. We currently are exempt or do not have a permit.

Q 24: Are all records required for the permit(s) being properly maintained and reported?

  1. Yes, we have a robust records system and trained personnel managing them.
  2. Yes, we have the minimum required records and have passed our annual reviews.
  3. Records are on my notepad on my dash or no permit required.

Q 25: Is there a documented Nutrient Management Strategy or Plan?

  1. Yes, we have a professionally developed plan that we adhere to strictly.
  2. We have a plan that is generic or minimal but meets the requirements.
  3. No formal plan has been documented.

Q 26: Do you have SOPs for measuring the required items in the Nutrient Management Plan?

  1. Our plan has SOPs and we follow it to the letter.
  2. We have SOPs for the items that are required for our plan and permit.
  3. I try to be consistent when and where I can but no one knows the plan but me.

Q 27: Is the feedyard current on reporting requirements for the regulatory permits?

  1. Our system makes reporting easy and we meet/exceed all required reporting for permits.
  2. We meet the reporting requirements for our permits but it is a lot of work.
  3. We report when prompted to by regulators.

Q 28: Is there an employee or employees assigned the responsibility for assuring compliance?

  1. We have trained and dedicated staff, or, we utilize outside experts who assure compliance.
  2. I believe we have permits or are exempt from them but haven’t really checked.
  3. No particular person is assigned this duty but parts are assigned as needed from time to time.

High Priority Indicator: Water Resources

Q 29: Does the feedyard have all required water permits and is it fully in compliance with permits and required management practices?

  1. Fresh water is permitted, requirements documented and compliance is assured.
  2. Fresh water is permitted and most requirements are met or corrected if deficient.
  3. I believe we have permits or are exempt from them but haven’t really checked.

Q 30: Does the feedyard have a waste water permit and is it in compliance with the permit?

  1. We have a permit and compliance is assured by our trained staff.
  2. We have a permit and with help we keep the permit in compliance.
  3. I believe we have permits or are exempt from them but haven’t really checked.

Q 31: Does the feedyard have a nutrient management plan and is it being followed?

  1. Yes
  2. B:No

Q 32: Is there a documented water management strategy that is updated regularly?

  1. Yes, we have an extensive strategy that we track and update
  2. We have a water strategy and we try to check it periodically.
  3. No real strategy.

Q 33: Are employees with environmental responsibilities regularly trained?

  1. Annually
  2. Less than annually
  3. Rarely or not at all

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