Beef producers in eastern Iowa are invited to learn about the process of completing the BQA Feedyard Assessment at one of three field days offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach this summer. The feedyard assessment is a review of employee training, standard operating procedures (SOP), recordkeeping, animal health protocols, handling practices, and equipment and facility maintenance, plus a tool to identify areas of potential risk or opportunities for improvement. 

It is also the foundation of the third-party audits required by Tyson Fresh Meats’ FarmCheck program. Cargill has announced it will require a similar audit system beginning in 2018.

3rd-party audits coming for feedlots
"The purpose of these field days is to educate feedlot operators on how to complete the Beef Quality Assurance feedyard self-assessment," says Denise Schwab, ISU Extension beef specialist. "At each location, we’ll score the processing area for working cattle, bunk and water management, animal and pen cleanliness, and discuss the importance of a veterinary-client-patient relationship." Participants will also be certified in the Beef Quality Assurance program.

Doug Bear, director of industry relations for the Iowa Beef Industry Council, tells beef producers: “By participating in the Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Feedyard Assessment, you are positioning your business to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead to ensure a safe, wholesome and quality beef and beef products for consumers. You are taking positive action to demonstrate that cattle producers are concerned about the product they produce as well as the live animals in their care.”

Plan to attend, and preregister
Each field day begins at 10 a.m. and lasts for an hour. Schwab encourages people to preregister by calling the ISU Benton County Extension office at 319-472-4739 to ensure adequate supplies for all attendees.

Field day dates and locations are:

• July 11. Ron Carpenter feedlot, 2424 10th St, Lamont
• July 12. Justin Reiter feedlot, 28598 9th Ave., Bernard
• July 25. Ryan Jargo feedlot, 4201 120th St., Clinton

ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Denise Schwab says these Beef Feedlot Assessment Field Days are provided in partnership with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, and local veterinarians and beef nutritionists.

Source: Iowa State University