Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Beef Quality Assurance training at Sigourney Nov. 6
Sep. 19, 2024 11:46 am
Sigourney — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, will host several Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training programs across Southeast Iowa through this fall. The program will cover numerous best management practices and will qualify producers for BQA certification. Iowa beef producers, veterinarians, feed industry personnel, and anyone interested in beef cattle production are invited to participate.
The program will all take place on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Keokuk County Extension Office in Sigourney, IA and a light meal will be provided. This workshop 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.
BQA certification is perhaps more important than ever as major packers now require a current Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certificate from feedlot producers selling market-ready cattle. All the 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. The program will include information that applies to all facets of beef cattle production including cow-calf, stocker/backgrounder, and feedlot.
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.
These events are all free and open to the public. To register for this event please call the Keokuk County Extension office at 641-622-2680. For more information, contact Patrick Wall at 515-450-7665 or patwall@iastate.edu. Finally, a reminder — those unable to attend an in-person workshop may complete their training online at https://bqa.beeflearningcenter.org/.