Kansas cattle producers will have the opportunity to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified, or renew an expired certification, this spring through four in-person trainings across the state. BQA is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that offers education for cattle producers on up-to-date best management strategies with a commitment to quality through every segment of the beef industry.
The BQA trainings will be offered by K-State Research and Extension, Kansas Livestock Association and the Kansas Beef Checkoff. At no cost to them, producers can attend one of the following trainings:
- March 28, 6 p.m. — City Limits Convention Center, Colby
- March 30, 6 p.m. — Butler County Community and 4-H Building, El Dorado
- April 11, 6 p.m. — Stanley Stout Center, Manhattan
- April 13, 6 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn, Hays
Each BQA training will kick off with a dinner sponsored by Certified Angus Beef (CAB). As part of the dinner, attendees will hear how CAB is sharing the BQA story of every cattleman’s commitment to raising healthy, nutritious and high-quality beef with beef consumers and the brand’s licensed partners.
“Certified Angus Beef supports BQA because it’s an easy and effective way for producers to communicate cattle care to people on the opposite end of the beef supply chain,” says Bruce Cobb, CAB executive vice president of production. “Besides sharing producer stories and helping to drive demand for premium beef, providing a meal to attendees is the most direct way we can support cattlemen who get BQA certified at these events.”
During the BQA training, Dr. A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, associate professor and beef Extension veterinarian at K-State, will walk through BQA best practices. Topics will include cattle care, extreme weather planning, stockmenship and other critical topics for cattle production.
BQA certification is good for 3 years. These continuing education programs are not only valuable to you and your operation, but attending these sessions also proves to our downstream consumer that we are committed to producing the highest quality, safest beef supply in the world.
Each workshop is free of charge and includes a complimentary meal. To register for one of the sessions contact Brooke Wines at [email protected] or 785-273-5115. Onsite registration will also be available at each location.
Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.