Beef Quality Assurance workshops set for September 11, 18, 25
BQA sessions set for Sept. 11, 18 and 25.
Photo by Beth Doran.
8/22/24
CHARITON, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Beef Industry Council will host Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training programs on three consecutive Wednesdays this fall in central and south central Iowa. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark said BQA certification is perhaps more important than ever as major packers now require a current certificate from feedlot producers selling market-ready cattle.
“It is basically a matter of market access for people marketing fed cattle because all the major packers now require that suppliers are BQA certified," Clark said. "Beyond just fulfilling that requirement though, the BQA program includes a great deal of useful information that producers can take home and immediately utilize in their beef cattle operations.”
The program will include a general overview of the BQA program and cover all the major production practices required for BQA certification. Discussion topics include animal care and handling, management of feedstuffs and feed additives, management of animal health products, proper injection site techniques, biosecurity, and record keeping.
Iowa beef producers, veterinarians, feed industry personnel, and others interested in beef cattle production are invited to participate.
Trainings are scheduled for the following dates and locations, with preregistration requested two days ahead of the program date. All three sessions are free and open to the public.
- Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Davis County Extension Office, 402 East North Street, Bloomfield. Light refreshments available. Register by calling Jami Seaman at 641-664-2730 or by email at jseaman@iastate.edu.
- Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6 to 8 p.m. (Meal at 5:30 p.m.) at Humeston Livestock Exchange, 1026 N Front Street, Humeston. Register by calling Denise Hutchison at 641-872-1755 or by email at deniseh@iastate.edu.
- Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6 to 8 p.m at Marshall County Extension Office, 2608 S 2nd St, Marshalltown. Light refreshments available. Register by calling the Marshall County Extension Office at 641-752-1551 or by email at chelsea@iastate.edu.
For more information contact Clark at 712-250-0070 or by email at caclark@iastate.edu.
He reminded producers unable to attend an in-person workshop that they may complete this training online at https://bqa.beeflearningcenter.org/.
BQA is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that raises consumer confidence through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry. The Iowa BQA Program is funded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Beef Checkoff. To learn more about the Iowa BQA Program and other upcoming certification trainings across Iowa, please visit iabeef.org.
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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Chris Clark, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist, 712-250-0070 caclark@iastate.edu.
