Free Beef Quality Assurance training set for Aug. 12 in Doniphan

DONIPHAN, Mo. – The Missouri Beef Industry Council and University of Missouri Extension are partnering to offer a free Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training Aug. 12 at the Doniphan Community Center, 105 Washington St., Doniphan. The evening event begins at 5:30 p.m. Anyone involved in raising or handling cattle is encouraged to attend.

“This training is part of a nationwide effort to educate beef cattle producers on the process of producing safe, high quality beef cattle on the farm,” said Elizabeth Picking, MU Extension livestock specialist.

The two-hour training will be taught by Picking and MU Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch. This training will focus on how producers can create a high-quality product for beef consumers, including understanding consumer concerns, proper cattle handling and animal health practices, Picking said. During the event, attendees can become BQA certified. Certification is valid for three years.

The BQA program provides educational opportunities for beef and dairy farmers and ranchers throughout the state and works to improve the quality of beef produced by connecting producers with the newest research and animal care techniques, Picking said. By becoming BQA certified, producers can uphold consumer confidence in beef, enhance herd profitability through better management, safeguard the public image of the beef industry and improve the sale of marketed beef cattle.

Funded by the Beef Checkoff, the BQA program guides producers toward continuous improvement using science-based production practices that assure cattle well-being, beef quality and safety, she said.

“As a cattle producer, I believe this is a very important time to get your BQA certification,” said Trey Patterson, CEO of Padlock Ranch Co. and chair of the BQA Advisory Group. “BQA is increasingly utilized in our industry to show consumers that we are focused on continual improvement in beef quality and animal care. There is no better way to leverage our story than through a grassroots and science-based program like BQA.”

Registration is free and includes training materials and dinner. Details and registration. For more information, contact Ally Crick at 573-473-6724 or Elizabeth Picking at 417-256-2391.

About the Beef Checkoff

The Beef Checkoff was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The Checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents of the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national Checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.