Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host nine Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification trainings in northwest Iowa during the month of June. These trainings will focus on best management practices that are sustainable and that enhance the quality of beef for consumers.
“Three years ago, 324 producers and ag-business professionals attended an in-person BQA training,” said Beth Doran, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This year, those certificates expire, and in order to market to most major packers and most local livestock auctions, producers must recertify.”
To certify or re-certify, producers can attend one of the following in-person trainings. All sessions are free of charge, but preregistration is required several days in advance of the training to be attended.
·  June 3, 1-3 p.m. – ISU Extension and Outreach Buena Vista County Office, 701 Seneca St., Ste 1, Storm Lake. RSVP to 712-732-5056.
· June 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Lytton Fire Station, 500 Railway St., Lytton. RSVP to 712-297-8611.
·  June 5, 10 a.m.-Noon – Classroom (Entrance #2), Iowa Lakes Community College, 3200 College Dr., Emmetsburg. RSVP to 712-852-2865.
·  June 10, 1-3 p.m. – Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Ave., Peterson. RSVP to 712-957-5045.
·  June 11, 9-11 a.m. – City Park Shelter House, 1013 13th Ave., Rock Valley. RSVP to 712-470-4803. Hosted in partnership with Cooperative Farmers Elevator (CFE).
·  June 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Marcus Community Center, 319 N. Main St., Marcus. RSVP to 712-470-4803. Hosted in partnership with CFE.
·   June 12, 9-11 a.m. – Community Building, 1600 15th St., Spirit Lake. RSVP to 712-336-3488.
·   June 17, 9-11 a.m. – Forster Community Center, 404 First Ave., Rock Rapids. RSVP to 712-470-4803. Hosted in partnership with CFE.
·   June 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m. – 9th Street Center, 418 9th St., Sibley. RSVP to 712-470-4803. Hosted in partnership with CFE.
 Producers who are unable to attend an in-person training may complete training online at https://www.bqa.org/.
 The Iowa BQA program is funded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Beef Checkoff, and the education is delivered as a joint effort in conjunction with the Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension and Outreach.
 For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or email doranb@iastate.edu.