The Iowa Beef Center and the Iowa Beef Industry Council will host a series of Beef Quality Assurance training and certification sessions across Iowa before year-end.

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.

BQA certification is increasingly being encouraged, and in some cases required, by market outlets for finishing cattle. A voluntary program, the Iowa BQA Program is funded by IBIC and the beef checkoff. The education component is delivered as a joint effort by IBC at Iowa State University and IBIC.

More sessions coming
More sessions will be added so check the IBIC website for Iowa BQA Program and other upcoming certification trainings in your area. BQA certification also is offered online at the national level. Click on this link to learn more about the BQA program and its online certification option, visit bqa.org. The schedule of BQA sessions, including time, location, preregistration requirements and specific contact information, is at ISU Extension.

Cattle summit Dec. 6-7
The 2018 Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit is set for Dec. 6-7 at Prairie Meadows Events Center in Altoona, on the northeast edge of Des Moines. All cattle producers are invited to attend this annual event for education, inspiration and the opportunity to talk to other members of the industry from around the state.

This year’s meeting will feature a large trade show, where seedstock, cow-calf and feedlot producers can see new products, pick up educational materials and find solutions to their everyday problems. The trade show will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 8:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 7.

Bruce Vincent, a Montana logger who was regulated out of business, will keynote the event. He’ll share how environmentalists forced his family’s business to shut its doors after three generations. He’ll offer advice based on what he learned from that experience, advice to help keep cattle producers from suffering the same fate.

ICA to hold policy meetings
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will hold its policy committee meetings, which are open to all ICA members. The meetings are the final opportunity for cattlemen to discuss priorities for ICA and set policy for 2019.

A social and banquet will cap off the first night, with the annual Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation fundraiser auction and awards. The next morning, an appreciation breakfast will be held for county leaders prior to the ICA and Iowa Beef Industry Council annual meetings. Anyone interested in attending the 2018 Summit can find more information at iacattlemen.org. Early registration ends Nov. 12.

Source: Iowa Beef Center