ORANGE CITY and DUBUQUE, Iowa — Beef packers are reminding feedlot producers to update or obtain a current Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certificate. BQA is required for all who sell cattle to Tyson Foods, Cargill and Iowa Premium as well as several other beef processors and some sale barns, but there are other reasons for certifying – to assure consumer confidence, to improve animal performance, and to expand international demand for U.S. beef. BQA certification must be renewed every 3 years.
To help producers accomplish these goals, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Beef Center and Iowa Beef Industry Council are offering a series of “year-end” trainings.
Trainings are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
November 18 – AmericInn Hotel, Maquoketa 6:00 pm
Call to register Maquoketa State Bank at 563-652-2491 x4148
November 22, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – ISU Extension and Outreach Calhoun County office, Rockwell City. Pre-register to 712-297-8611.
November 30 – National Farmers Livestock, Manchester 5:30 pm
Call to register at 563-599-6589
December 2 – American Legion Hall, Victor 6:00 pm
Email to register at patwall@iastate.edu.
December 6 – Arlington Community Center 6:00 pm
Call to register Mike Kirby at 563-419-9522
December 7 – Protivin Community Center 4:00 pm
Call to register South Winn Vet Clinic at 563-532-9650
December 7, 10 a.m. to Noon – Archer Coop Grain Company, Archer. Pre-register to 712-957-5045.
December 9 – Wolfey’s Wapsi Outback, Quasqueton 6:00 pm
Call to register Winthrop Vet Clinic 319-935-3393
December 9, 10 a.m. to Noon – ISU Extension and Outreach Plymouth County office, Le Mars. Pre-register to 712-546-7835.
December 13, 10 a.m. to Noon – ISU Extension and Outreach Buena Vista County office, Storm Lake. Pre-register to 712-732-5056.
There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required two days in advance of the training. To pre-register, call the phone number listed for the site to be attended.
ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Denise Schwab said the Beef Quality Assurance Certification meetings will focus on changes in packer requirements and the information that cattle feeders must provide to market cattle. This certification assures consumers that the beef they eat is a safe, high quality product and is produced in a responsible manner considering animal welfare and the environment.
Iowa’s BQA certification program utilizes industry partnerships to extend its reach across Iowa but is funded with beef checkoff dollars. The BQA program has helped to inform industry representatives and beef producers about the latest management practices such as proper injection site techniques, record keeping practices, new industry on-farm BQA Assessments, and make consumers more aware of the extra efforts taken by Iowa producers to deliver safe, wholesome beef. At the end of the meeting, all the participants will be BQA certified.
If an in-person training cannot be attended, BQA certification may be completed on-line at https://bqa.beeflearningcenter.org/.
For a flier or more information on these Northwest Iowa BQA trainings, contact Beth Doran, ISU Extension and Outreach beef field specialist, at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.
For more information regarding trainings in the Dubuque County area, contact Denise Schwab, Extension Beef Program Specialist at dschwab@iastate.edu or 319-721-9624.
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach