The Delaware County Cattlemen, Delaware County Economic Development and NFO Livestock are partnering with ISU Extension and Outreach Delaware County to host a Beef Quality Assurance training on Tuesday, April 9th at NFO Livestock in Manchester.
The program will begin at 5:30 pm with updates from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association with the BQA training to follow presented by Denise Schwab Extension Beef Specialist and a meal to conclude the evening.
Area beef producers are encouraged to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified or check your certification expiration data. BQA is required for all who sell cattle to Tyson Foods, Cargill and Iowa Premium as well as several other beef processors and some sale barns. BQA certification must be renewed every 3 years.
Schwab said the Beef Quality Assurance Certification training will focus on changes in packer requirements and the information that cattle feeders must provide to market cattle. This certification assures consumers that the beef they eat is a safe, high quality product and is produced in a responsible manner considering animal welfare and the environment.
Iowa’s BQA certification program utilizes industry partnerships to extend its reach across Iowa but is funded with beef checkoff dollars. The BQA program has helped to inform industry representatives and beef producers about the latest management practices such as proper injection site techniques, record keeping practices, new industry on-farm BQA Assessments, and make consumers more aware of the extra efforts taken by Iowa producers to deliver safe, wholesome beef. At the end of the meeting, all of the participants will become BQA certified.
Pre-registration is required by contacting the Delaware County Extension Office at 563-927-4201 or email jadeh@iastate.edu.
