Pork Quality Assurance Plus and Transport Quality Assurance certification programs for hog farmers and livestock transporters will be on:

•March 19 in Morris at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 State Highway 329
•April 3 in Waseca at the Southern Research and Outreach Center, 35838 120th Street
•April 17 in Worthington at the Nobles County Government Center, 315 10th Street

The checkoff-supported PQA Plus program will be from 10 a.m. to noon and the TQA program will be from 1-3:30 p.m. The programs are free.

PQA Plus And TQA For Hog Farmers, Transporters

To assure adequate seating and materials, preregistration is strongly encouraged. To preregister, telephone the Minnesota Pork Board office at (800) 537-7675 or email [email protected]. When preregistering, provide your name, address, telephone number and email, if available.

PQA Plus is required for those who provide daily care of pigs, such as owners, managers and employees, as a condition of sale by nearly all packers. The minimum age for PQA Plus certification eligibility is 14.

The checkoff-supported TQA program is also a common hog packer requirement for the drivers delivering hogs to the plant and for on-farm animal handlers.

Pork producers can check their PQA Plus and TQA certification status by calling the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675. Contact your hog buyer/packer for their specific PQA Plus certification, PQA Plus Site Status and TQA certification requirements.

PQA Plus and TQA trainings are hosted by the Minnesota Pork Board, Pork Checkoff and University of Minnesota Extension Swine Team.