Pork producers and livestock transporters can earn their individual certifications for Pork Quality Assurance Plus and Transport Quality Assurance at free trainings on Nov. 16 at the AmericInn, 1406 East Lyon Street, Marshall, Minn. The PQA Plus training will be from 10 a.m. to noon and the TQA training will be from 1:30-4 p.m.

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

PQA Plus is required as a condition of sale by nearly all packers for those individuals who provide daily care of pigs, such as owners, managers and employees. The PQA Plus training also describes the site assessment process and how to achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The minimum age for PQA Plus certification eligibility is 14.

TQA training 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. For additional training locations and dates go to www.mnpork.com.

Source: Minnesota Pork