Beef Quality Assurance training for certification scheduled for northeast Iowa September 18

Beef producers in and around Winneshiek County are encouraged to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certified. 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.

The training will be held Wednesday, September 18, at the Decorah Sales Commission from 8:30-10 a.m. Participants are asked to preregister by September 16 by calling the Benton County Extension office at 319-472-4739 to ensure adequate food and supplies.

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 of the participants will become BQA certified.

There is no fee to attend the training, but preregistration is strongly encouraged to ensure adequate materials. To register, contact the Benton County Extension Office at 319-472-4739 or email dschwab@iastate.edu. For more information, contact Denise Schwab, Extension Beef Program Specialist at dschwab@iastate.edu or 319-721-9624.