By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Pork Industry Center has announced plans to offer three Pork Quality Assurance Plus Advisor certification sessions during 2026. These sessions are required for advisors whose certification has expired and for individuals seeking certification for the first time.
The training follows the implementation of Pork Quality Assurance version 6.0, which requires updated education to maintain certification status.
The certification sessions will be conducted virtually using Zoom, making them accessible to participants from various locations. The sessions are scheduled for Jan. 28, July 7, and Oct. 5, 2026.
Each session has a specific application deadline one week prior to the training date. Registration for all sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. Central time, with instruction starting at 9 a.m.
“Advisors with an expired certification and people wanting to become certified for the first time are required to attend a training like this," he said. "Interested and qualified people should complete and return the application form soon.”
The sessions will be led by Chris Rademacher, associate director at the Iowa Pork Industry Center and an extension swine veterinarian. Each training session is expected to last approximately six hours, including the exam administered at the end of the program.
Participants are reminded that a seat is not confirmed until their application is approved and payment is received by the Iowa Pork Industry Center.
The cost to attend a certification session is $100. This fee covers all training materials and lunch. Veterinary Continuing Education Units will be requested for these sessions, adding professional value for eligible participants.
To apply, interested individuals must complete a two page application form. The form outlines qualification requirements and is available in both fillable PDF and Word formats.
These documents can be accessed through the Pork Quality Assurance section of the Iowa Pork Industry Center website. Applicants may choose either format when submitting their information.
The Pork Quality Assurance Advisor certification program plays an important role in supporting animal care, food safety, and responsible pork production.
By offering these certification sessions, the Iowa Pork Industry Center continues to provide education and leadership that strengthens the pork industry and promotes consistent quality assurance practices across the state.
Photo Credit: istock-apichsn
Categories: Iowa, Livestock, Hogs