INDIANA – The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and certification program will be offered in 17 Indiana counties this November.
In partnership with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Purdue Extension will host events to provide producers with key industry insights and the option to complete their voluntary BQA certification.
The trainings and certification opportunities will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. ET Nov. 2 and 7 in the following locations:
Thursday, Nov. 2
- Shipshewana Livestock Auction, Shipshewana
- Kosciusko County Extension Office, Warsaw
- Wayne County Fairgrounds First Bank Expo Hall, Richmond
- Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center, Dubois
- Washington County Government Building, Salem
- Community Building — Clark County Fairgrounds, Charlestown
- Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center, Butlerville
Tuesday, Nov. 7
- Milan Center Feed & Grain, New Haven
- Pulaski County Highway Garage, Winamac
- Adams County 4-H Fairgrounds Expo Hall/Dining Hall, Monroe
- Marshall County Building, Plymouth
- Miami County Community Building — 4-H Fairgrounds, Peru
- Parke County Extension Office Meeting Room, Rockville
- Morgan County Fairgrounds 4-H Building, Martinsville
- Feldun Purdue Agricultural Center — Shop, Bedford
- Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Madison
- Purdue Extension Office — Harrison County, Corydon
Presented by a team of Purdue Extension educators, the training will cover various topics, including minimizing carcass defects; improving animal health and well-being; and meeting standards set by the FDA, USDA, and the EPA.
Ronald Lemenager, professor of animal sciences, Extension beef specialist, and event co-host, said, “BQA certification is a way to provide our customers with the confidence that we are producing high-quality, safe, and wholesome beef in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.”
Nicholas Minton, Extension beef systems specialist, and event co-host, added, “Being BQA certified is an example of producers committing to properly care for their cattle through continued education.”
Lemenager and Minton will deliver the BQA training and certification via Zoom livestream. County educators will facilitate the meetings.
Preregistration is highly encouraged to secure necessary accommodations. To RSVP, contact the designated county educator on the flyer for more information.
Producers also have the option to complete their BQA certification online at their convenience. Certification completed at the events or online is valid for three years.
Information: Ashvini Malshe, malshea@purdue.edu.
Sources: Ronald Lemenager, 765-494-4817, rpl@purdue.edu and Nicholas Minton, 812-279 4330, nminton@purdue.edu.
Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415; Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu
