Beef quality assurance certification sessions scheduled in Iowa

By Andi Anderson

Iowa is set to host Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification sessions in January 2025. Organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Beef Center, these events are designed for both new certifications and recertifications. Participants will be certified at the end of each session, ensuring compliance with industry requirements.

BQA certification is mandatory for selling cattle to major processors like Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Iowa Premium, as well as several sale barns. Certification must be renewed every three years to maintain eligibility.

Denise Schwab, ISU Extension beef specialist, emphasized the importance of preregistration for specific locations. “Some sessions include meals, so knowing attendance numbers helps with planning. Additionally, the Van Horne session on January 20 includes a Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) training,” she stated.

Here are the scheduled sessions:

Jan. 15, 4 p.m., Greenfield: Held at Warren Cultural Center in conjunction with the Three-State Beef Conference. RSVP: 641-743-8412.

Jan. 20, 1-3 p.m., Mason City: ISU Extension Cerro Gordo County. Contact: Sarah DeBour at 641-423-0844.

Jan. 20, 6 p.m., Van Horne: Includes BQA and BQAT. A meal is served at 6 p.m., with training at 6:30 p.m. Contact: 319-472-4739 or upmeyer@iastate.edu.

Jan. 23, 5-8 p.m., Grundy Center: RSVP: 319-824-6979 or bbingman@iastate.edu.

Jan. 24, 1 p.m., Dubuque: Following the Driftless Region Beef Conference at the Grand River Convention Center. No preregistration required.

Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m., Malvern: RSVP: 712-624-8616.

Funded by beef checkoff dollars, Iowa's BQA program educates producers on best management practices, such as injection site techniques and recordkeeping. The program also highlights the efforts made by Iowa producers to ensure safe, high-quality beef reaches consumers.

These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for producers to enhance their skills and meet certification requirements while contributing to the state’s commitment to quality beef production.

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