GRUNDY CENTER – The Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension are cooperating with the Iowa Beef Industry Council to help educate producers in the Beef Quality Assurance program.

A training and certification session will be held Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Grundy Center Community Center, located at 705 F Avenue in Grundy Center.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. with a meal served at 5:30, sponsored by the Grundy County Cattlemen and Grundy County Extension and Outreach. The training session will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 8 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for the meal and program for planning purposes; register by contacting Grundy County Extension at 319-824-6979, or emailing bbingman@iastate.edu by Thursday, Jan. 15, 2025. There is no cost to attend this program.

BQA is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that raises consumer confidence through ensuring proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry.

BQA certification is increasingly being encouraged, and in some cases required, by market outlets for finishing cattle and this is expected to increase. BQA is a voluntary program and the Iowa BQA Program is funded by the IBIC and the Beef Checkoff. The education component is delivered as a joint effort by IBC at Iowa State University and IBIC.

Other sessions are scheduled in the state as well, check the IBIC website at iabeef.org for Iowa BQA Program and other upcoming certification trainings in your area.

BQA certification is also offered online at the national level, which can be accessed at BQA.org.