SDSU Extension is offering a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification training on Tuesday, January 18 at the Deuel County Extension Building located at 47494 SD Hwy 22 in Clear Lake, South Dakota.

Check-in and the meal will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by BQA programming from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

“BQA focuses on food safety, animal well-being, employee safety and being good stewards of our natural resources while raising beef,” said Heidi Carroll, SDSU Extension Livestock Stewardship Field Specialist and Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator.

The BQA certification is a requirement to sell cattle to any major beef packers and producers are encouraged to ensure their BQA certification is up to date prior to marketing their cattle. The certification is valid for three years before producers must re-certify.

“BQA does more than just help beef producers capture more value from their market cattle,” said Carroll. “BQA also reflects a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they assure their market steers, heifers, cows and bulls are the best they can be.”

Registration for the event is $25 per attendee. To register for the event, visit the SDSU Extension Events page at extension.sdstate.edu.

An online training course is also available for cattle producers needing to certify or renew their BQA certification. Producers can complete the online BQA certification course at www.bqa.org.

The South Dakota BQA program is coordinated by SDSU Extension and is funded in part by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and the Beef Checkoff.

In-person BQA certification courses are limited in South Dakota and more dates will continue to be advertised as they are scheduled. South Dakota producers residing near surrounding state borders may attend a BQA certification offered in any state. Likewise, producers from other states may attend a South Dakota BQA certification training to receive their BQA certification.

If you do not remember your BQA account credentials, please contact a state BQA coordinator, or the National BQA Team, at (303) 850-3473.

For more information contact Heidi Carroll, SDSU Extension Livestock Stewardship Field Specialist and Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator, at 605-688-6623 or Heidi.Carroll@sdstate.edu.