Beef Quality Assurance Virtual Training

Hardin County – Join Hardin County OSU Extension for a virtual Beef Quality Assurance Training scheduled for Tuesday, February 23 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Beef Quality Assurance training is for beef cattle producers, needing to re-certify or certify to sell cattle at auctions and other markets for the first time. Many of the major beef processors, auctions, and other markets began requiring producers to have a BQA certificate at the beginning of 2019. An initial Beef Quality Assurance Training was held in Kenton in 2018 and it is time for those producers to re-certify in addition to any cattle producers who need to gain BQA certification for the first time.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) does more than just help beef producers capture more value from their market cattle. 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. Today, the stakes are even higher because of increased public attention on animal welfare. BQA is valuable to all beef and dairy producers because it demonstrates commitment to food safety and quality; safeguards the public image of the beef industry; upholds consumer confidence in valuable beef products; and improves the sale value of marketed beef cattle.

Training enhances herd profitability through better management. Ohio State University Extension, in cooperation with the Ohio Beef Council, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, and Ohio’s cattle auction markets, is working to offer Ohio’s cattle producers several opportunities to become Beef Quality Assurance Certified.

Register for this virtual event at http://go.osu.edu/hardinagnr or if internet access is an issue call 419-767-6037 for possible in-person session seating at Hardin County OSU Extension office, 1021 W Lima Street, Kenton.

Registration is mandatory and space is limited for in-person sessions depending on COVID restrictions. No walk-ins are available.

Hardin County residents with no computer access or poor internet connections will be given preference because of limited seating.