By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC), in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is offering the final Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) Advisor certification session of the year. The training provides qualified individuals with the opportunity to become certified advisors who can educate pork producers on industry standards and best management practices.
The Pork Quality Assurance Plus program is widely recognized for promoting responsible pork production and maintaining high standards across the industry. The program focuses on several important areas, including food safety, animal care, environmental stewardship, worker safety, public health, and community responsibility. These standards help producers improve farm management while ensuring consumer confidence in pork products.
Certified PQA Plus Advisors play an important role in supporting the swine industry. They are authorized to provide training and certification programs for pork producers and farm employees. Advisors can also perform on-farm site assessments to help farms meet industry requirements and implement recommended practices.
To qualify for advisor certification, applicants must be veterinarians, extension specialists, agricultural educators, or other professionals involved in adult education and production training. The program is designed for individuals who work directly with producers and have the knowledge required to support educational activities within the pork sector.
The online certification session is scheduled for Oct. 5 and will begin at 9 a.m. The training will last approximately six hours and is open to both first-time participants and current or former advisors seeking recertification. This approach allows experienced advisors to maintain their credentials while also welcoming new professionals into the program.
Participants must submit an application before the registration deadline. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and complete the application process through the IPIC website. Once approved, participants will receive details for joining the online training session.
The cost of the training is $100. In addition to advisor certification, participants will have the opportunity to earn five veterinary continuing education units (CEUs), providing further professional development benefits.
Those seeking additional information about the program can contact Stacie Matchan through Iowa State University. The training is expected to provide valuable knowledge and practical guidance for professionals working within the swine industry.
Established in 1994, the Iowa Pork Industry Center was created through cooperation between the Iowa State University colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. The organization works to advance efficient pork production technologies, strengthen Iowa's leadership in pork production, and support rural development.
IPIC closely collaborates with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to deliver educational programs and research-based information to producers. Through these efforts, pork producers gain access to timely and reliable resources that help improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
The PQA Plus Advisor certification program continues to serve as an important educational initiative for the pork industry. By training qualified advisors, the program helps ensure that producers have access to current information and practical tools that support animal welfare, food safety, environmental responsibility, and sustainable pork production. As industry standards continue to evolve, this training provides professionals with the knowledge needed to guide producers toward continued success and responsible farming practices.
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Categories: Iowa, Education, Livestock, Hogs