SDSU Extension to Host Beef Quality Assurance training in Mound City, Timber Lake

SDSU Extension will host two Beef Quality Assurance training sessions on Jan. 30, 2024. 

The first will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. CST at the MC 83 Bar and Grill in Mound City. The second will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. MT at The Corner Bar & Grill in Timber Lake. 

Anyone involved in raising or handling cattle is encouraged to attend. Trainings are free, and registration is not required. Meals are not included.  

The Beef Quality Assurance program provides educational opportunities for beef and dairy farmers and ranchers throughout the state and works to improve the quality of beef by connecting producers with the newest research and animal care techniques.

“This training is part of a nationwide effort to educate beef cattle producers on the process of producing safe, high-quality beef cattle on the farm,” said Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist and South Dakota’s Beef Quality Assurance coordinator. “South Dakota is proud to offer this exceptional program to producers in our state.”

During the event, attendees can become Beef Quality Assurance certified, which is valid for three years. Certification can help producers uphold consumer confidence in beef, enhance herd profitability through better management, safeguard the public image of the beef industry and improve the sale of marketed beef cattle. 

“As a cattle producer, I believe this is a very important time to get your BQA certification. BQA is increasingly utilized in our industry to show consumers that we are focused on continual improvement in beef quality and animal care,” said Trey Patterson, CEO of Padlock Ranch Company and chair of the Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Group. “There is no better way to leverage our story than through a grassroots and science-based program like BQA.”