ORANGE CITY, Iowa – There’s still time for beef producers to become certified or to update their Beef Quality Assurance certification. Beth Doran, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist, has two northwest Iowa workshops planned for late November.
“These events will help area cattle producers ensure they are meeting consumer and packer expectations,” Doran said. “ISU Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Center, and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are co-hosting these workshops.”
Workshop dates and locations
Producers can choose the date that works best for them. There is no fee to attend, but preregistration is encouraged to help in planning.
- Tuesday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to noon, Sac County Extension Office, 620 Park Ave., Sac City
- Thursday, Nov. 30, 1-3 p.m. Western Research and Demonstration Farm, 36515 Hwy E34, Castana
Both workshops offer the same certification information. Best management practices will focus on cattle care and handling, managing feed ingredients and medication, biosecurity and record keeping. Other topics include feedlot self-assessments, beef industry trends and the 2016 National Beef Quality Audit in which BQA was identified as an important strategy to increase consumer confidence.
Workshop participants will obtain their BQA certification, which will be effective three years from the training date and will meet beef packer requirements. To maintain integrity of the BQA program, all BQA certification in Iowa is administered by the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
To register for the Nov. 21 workshop in Sac City, call Lora Wright at 712-662-7131; for the Nov. 30 workshop in Castana, call Keith Baker at 712-423-2175. For more information, contact Doran by phone at 712-737-4230 or email doranb@iastate.edu.