Sign up for BQA certification in January

Monday, December 30, 2024

If you're due to update your Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification in January, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, along with the Iowa Beef Center, is offering several events to help you stay compliant.

"Please check for preregistration information for the site you want to attend," said Denise Schwab, a beef specialist with ISU Extension. "Some sessions include a meal and having those numbers is important for planning. Also, the Jan. 20 program at Van Horne includes a BQAT session following the regular BQA portion."

BQA certification is required for anyone selling cattle to major processors such as Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Iowa Premium, as well as some sale barns. Certification must be renewed every three years to maintain eligibility to sell cattle to these processors.

For convenience, the BQA certification program is being offered in various locations across the state. Participants are encouraged to check for preregistration details specific to each event, as some sessions will include meals, and accurate participant counts are necessary for planning.

Key events are scheduled as follows:

Jan. 15, 4 p.m.: Warren Cultural Center, Greenfield. RSVP at 641-743-8412.
Jan. 20, 1-3 p.m.: ISU Extension, Cerro Gordo County, Mason City. Contact Sarah DeBour at 641-423-0844 or sdebour@iastate.edu.
Jan. 20, 6 p.m.: Van Horne Community Center. Meal at 6 p.m., training begins at 6:30 p.m. BQA and BQAT certification available. RSVP at 319-472-4739 or upmeyer@iastate.edu.
Jan. 23, 5-8 p.m.: Grundy Center Community Center. Contact Brandy Bingman at 319-824-6979 or bbingman@iastate.edu.
Jan. 24, 1 p.m.: Grand River Convention Center, Dubuque. BQA training following the Driftless Region Beef Conference. No preregistration required.
Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m.: Lakin Center, Malvern. RSVP at 712-624-8616.

The BQA certification program, funded by beef checkoff dollars, promotes best practices such as proper injection techniques and record-keeping. It aims to inform producers, processors, and consumers about the efforts to provide safe and wholesome beef.

For additional information, contact Denise Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu or 319-721-9624.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university