Some beef packers are requiring beef producers to be Beef Quality Assurance certified. To aid producers in the certification process, the Iowa Beef Center, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the Cherokee, Emmet and Calhoun County Cattlemen’s Associations are co-sponsoring a series of three BQA workshops in northwest Iowa this summer.
“It’s a fact—consumers want to know how the beef they eat is raised,” said Beth Ellen Doran, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist. “To help beef producers maintain transparency and credibility with consumers, we are hosting BQA Certification workshops.”
Producers can attend any of these northwest Iowa workshops:
June 26, 10 a.m. to noon, Rodada Farms, 2327 510th St., Aurelia;
June 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Riverview Feedlot, 1893 570th Ave., Armstrong; and
July 18, 10 a.m. to noon, Albright Farms, 2384 Durant Ave., Lytton.
“Each workshop features best management practices to provide wholesome, high quality beef while ensuring animal well-being and environmental sustainability,” Doran said. “Information topics will touch on the recent National Beef Quality Audit, new animal health products, improved feedlot design and pre-harvest strategies to control E. coli.”
Support from the local county cattlemen’s associations demonstrates their commitment to Beef Quality Assurance. At each workshop, local cattlemen will be grilling and serving a light meal featuring beef.
There is no charge for the training, but $5 per person will be charged for the meal. Preregistration is strongly encouraged two days prior to each workshop to ensure adequate supplies, and should be made with the local ISU Extension and Outreach county office. Please call the number for the site you plan to attend: June 26, Aurelia, 712-225-6196; June 27, Armstrong, 712-362-3434; July 18, Lytton, 712-297-8611.
For more information, see the BQA workshop flyer at http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/events/BQANWIowa0618.pdf
or contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or [email protected].
