Iowa State University Extension is offering Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation workshops for cattle producers. Sessions are March 26 at Lenox in southwest Iowa, and April 2 in Spencer and April 3 in Orange City in northwest Iowa.  

The BQA and BQAT programs provide training and certification for cattle producers. With this knowledge, producers can provide the consumer with a safe and high-quality beef product, while attending to best management practices in animal husbandry, environmental stewardship and safety. Both BQA and BQAT certifications are active for three years from the date of issuance.  

“BQA certification is required for feedlot producers selling cattle to major packers and at most local livestock auctions,” says Beth Doran, ISU Extension beef specialist. “BQAT certification is mandatory for all producers and transporters hauling cattle directly to a major packing plant on their trailer but is not a requirement for producers and transporters hauling cattle to a local livestock auction.”  

Southwest Iowa meetings 

Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation training sessions on March 26 are at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 600 W. Michigan St., Lenox. 

The regular BQA session will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with the BQAT session from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Based on individual needs, producers and haulers can attend one or both sessions. Thanks to sponsorship from Taylor County Cattlemen, a free lunch will be provided at noon, and the BQAT session in the afternoon also is free. 

Both sessions will feature best management practices and emerging trends to help maintain consumer confidence, improve cattle performance and meat quality on the farm. See a flyer for both programs. To preregister for the event by March 24, call the Taylor County Extension Office at 712-523-2137. For questions regarding the BQA program, contact Erika Lundy, ISU Extension beef specialist in southwest Iowa, at 641-743-8412 or email [email protected]. 

Northwest Iowa meetings 

Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation Workshops on April 2 will be at the ISU Extension Clay County office in Spencer, 110 W. Fourth St. On April 3, the BQA and BQAT meetings will be at the ISU Extension Sioux County office in Orange City, 400 Central Ave. NW. 

Workshop attendees may select which sessions (BQA or BQAT) they want to attend at each site. The BQA training is from 10 a.m. to noon; BQAT is from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided between the two sessions. See the flyer for the Clay County location and see the flyer for the Sioux County location. 

There is no charge to attend this BQA training; however, there is a $25 certification fee for BQAT. Preregistration for both locations is encouraged by March 30. Call ISU Extension Clay County at 712-262-2264 for the April 2 training or ISU Extension Sioux County at 712-737-4230 for the April 3 training.  

The Iowa BQA program is funded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the beef checkoff, and the education is delivered as a joint effort with the Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension. Both BQA and BQAT certifications also are available online at bqa.beeflearningcenter.org for free. 

For more information, contact Beth Doran at 712-737-4230 or email [email protected]. 

Source: ISU, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all of its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.