ALBIA, Iowa—Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, will host a Beef Quality Assurance training program on Sept. 8 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Monroe County office in Albia.

The program will cover numerous best management practices and will qualify producers for BQA certification. Chris Clark, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said Iowa beef producers, veterinarians, feed industry personnel and anyone interested in beef cattle production are invited to participate.

The program will include a general overview of the BQA program and cover all the major production practices required for BQA certification. The agenda includes information that applies to all facets of beef cattle production including cow-calf, stocker/backgrounder and the feedlot.

Topics of discussion will include animal care and handling, management of feedstuffs and feed additives, management of animal health products, proper injection site techniques, biosecurity and record keeping.

BQA certification is vital as major packers now require a current BQA certificate from feedlot producers selling market-ready cattle.

“It is basically a matter of market access for people marketing fed cattle,” Clark said. “All the major packers now require that suppliers are BQA certified. Beyond just fulfilling that requirement though, the BQA program includes a great deal of useful information that producers can take home and immediately utilize in their beef cattle operations.”

BQA is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that raises consumer confidence through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry. The Iowa BQA Program is funded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Beef Checkoff. To learn more about the Iowa BQA Program and other upcoming certification trainings across Iowa, visit iabeef.org.

The meeting will run from 6 p.m. to approximately 8 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, but to assist organizers with planning, preregister by Sept. 6 by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Monroe County office at 641-932-5612 or by emailing Amie Koffman at akoffman@iastate.edu.

Clark said producers who are unable to attend an in-person workshop can complete their BQA training online at https://bqa.beeflearningcenter.org/.

(contributed article and photo, ISU Extension and Outreach)