Beef Quality Assurance Sessions Set for Southeast Iowa

By Sherry Hoyer

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, will host several Beef Quality Assurance training programs across southeast Iowa this fall. The program will cover numerous best management practices and will qualify producers for BQA certification.

BQA certification is perhaps more important than ever as major packers now require a current BQA certificate from feedlot producers selling market-ready cattle, said extension beef specialist Patrick Wall. All major packers now require that suppliers are BQA certified.

"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," Wall said. "The program will include information that applies to all facets of beef cattle production including cow-calf, stocker/backgrounder, and feedlot."

Iowa beef producers, veterinarians, feed industry personnel and anyone interested in beef cattle production are invited to attend. Available training and certification opportunities are:

• Oct. 22 – Donnellson, Pilot Grove Community Center
• Nov. 6 – Sigourney, Keokuk County extension office
• Nov. 12 – Washington, Washington County extension office
• Nov. 13 – Mt. Pleasant, Henry County extension office
• Nov. 19 – Oskaloosa, Mahaska County extension office
• Nov. 21 – Grinnell, Key Cooperative Agronomy Center
• Dec. 3 – Iowa City, Johnson County extension office

Each program will take place from 6-8 p.m. and will cover all the major production practices required for BQA certification. Topics of discussion will include animal care and handling, management of feedstuffs and feed additives, management of animal health products, proper injection site techniques, biosecurity and record keeping. All of these events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Patrick Wall at patwall@iastate.edu or 515-450-7665.

BQA is a nationally coordinated, state-implemented program that raises consumer confidence by 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, visit iabeef.org.

Wall reminded people that those unable to attend an in-person workshop may complete their training online at https://bqa.beeflearningcenter.org/.