South Dakota Ag Connection - Beef Quality Assurance Updates at Dakotafest

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Beef Quality Assurance Updates at Dakotafest
South Dakota Ag Connection - 08/16/2018

Have you been wondering what's going on with the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program in South Dakota and nationally?

SDSU Extension staff will share beef industry and BQA program updates at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 22 during Dakotafest 2018 on the Schlaffman Farm in Mitchell (2300 E. Spruce Street) inside booth #600.

The presentation will be led by Heidi Carroll, SDSU Extension livestock stewardship field specialist & state BQA coordinator. "Food service companies and beef packers continue to show their commitment to sourcing safe and sustainable beef for their customers. This presentation will help South Dakota cattlemen determine whether they should become BQA or BQAT (Beef Quality Assurance Transportation) certified to stay competitive in today's changing beef markets," she explained.

Major packers have already reached out to their cattle suppliers regarding deadlines for complying with new BQA and BQAT certification requirements. Some also have requirements for dairies supplying cattle for beef.

Carroll encourages producers, "Come join the discussion to hear which companies have set specific timelines and learn how you can get certified to meet their requirements."

Changes to the South Dakota BQA program will be outlined along with covering other quality assurance certification programs and on-farm assessment programs that producers and cattle transporters should be aware of and participate in.

If you need to check the status of your BQA Certification, talk to Heidi Carroll in the SDSU Extension tent and she will quickly verify your status.

The "Who Needs South Dakota BQA Certification?" presentation is one of many hosted during Dakotafest in the SDSU Extension tent by SDSU Extension staff. For a complete listing visit, the iGrow Events page and search by Aug. 21.

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