ORANGE CITY, Iowa — Cattle producers and allied agribusiness professionals still have time to renew or certify their training in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA). Most major packers and a sizable majority of local livestock auctions require or encourage their feedlot suppliers to have a current BQA certificate.
November trainings held in Northwest Iowa will be as follows:
- Nov. 23 – 10:00 a.m.-Noon, ISU Extension and Outreach – Woodbury County, 4728 Southern Hills Dr., Sioux City. RSVP to 712-276-2157
- Nov. 23 – 1:00-3:00 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach – Woodbury County, 4728 Southern Hills Dr., Sioux City. RSVP to 712-276-2157
- Nov. 24 – 10:00 a.m.-Noon, ISU Western Research and Demonstration Farm, Co. Hwy E34, Castana. RSVP to 712-423–2175
“Beef Quality Assurance trainings provide more than just market access,” said Beth Doran, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “There is an economic incentive to be BQA certified. Research analyzing feeder cattle sold through video auctions indicates that there was a premium of $2.71/cwt or $16.80/head for cattle that had BQA listed in the lot description.”
The BQA certification program is designed to provide producers with new information on carcass quality, cattle handling, health management, emergency action planning and industry issues. To attend a session, please RSVP to the site you plan to attend. There is no cost to attend; however, due to COVID-19, attendance at each site is limited and face masks are encouraged. Walk-ins will not be allowed.
The BQA workshops are a collaborative effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Beef Center and the Iowa Beef Industry Council. For those unable to attend an in-person training, BQA certification may also be completed online at https://bqa.beeflearningcenter.org/ at no charge.
For more information, contact Beth Doran at 712-737-4230 or by e-mail at doranb@iastate.edu.
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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