Beef Quality Assurance Workshops Set for September

By Sherry Hoyer and Chris Clark

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, will host Beef Quality Assurance training programs on three consecutive Wednesdays this fall in central and south-central Iowa.

“BQA certification is perhaps more important than ever as major packers now require a current certificate from feedlot producers selling market-ready cattle,” said Chris Clark, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist.

“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.

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.

Session dates

• Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the ISU Extension and Outreach Davis County office, 402 E. North St., Bloomfield. Light refreshments are available. Register by contacting Jami Seaman at 641-664-2730 or jseaman@iastate.edu.
• Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6-8 p.m. (Meal at 5:30 p.m.) at Humeston Livestock Exchange, 1026 N. Front St., Humeston. Register by contacting Denise Hutchison at 641-872-1755 or deniseh@iastate.edu.
• Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6-8 p.m at the ISU Extension and Outreach Marshall County office, 2608 S. 2nd St., Marshalltown. Light refreshments are available. Register by contacting the ISU Extension and Outreach Marshall County office at 641-752-1551 or chelsea@iastate.edu.

For more information contact Clark at 712-250-0070 or by email at caclark@iastate.edu.

He reminds 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 the state, visit iabeef.org.