OSU Ext. Hosting Beef Quality Assurance Certification Meetings in August

By Donald Stotts

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma cattle producers can earn Beef Quality Assurance certification at two in-person meetings in August, with appropriate social distancing and other coronavirus precautions in place at each.

“We recognize many people are rightfully cautious about getting out and about, but we’re taking steps to ensure minimal possible exposure to the virus; BQA certification is a requirement for producers to participate in Oklahoma Beef Quality Network fall sales so we’re offering the opportunity for them to get that certification if needed,” said Shannon Mallory, Kay County Extension agricultural educator.

The first meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Aug. 6, at the fairgrounds in Blackwell. The second meeting will take place 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Aug. 20, at the Alfalfa County Fairgrounds in Cherokee. Breakfast refreshments will be provided at the Blackwell event and a sponsored lunch will be provided at the Cherokee meeting. There is no cost to attend either event.

BQA is a nationwide program that raises consumer confidence by offering research-based best management techniques and fostering a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry. The August certification meetings are being sponsored jointly by Oklahoma State University Extension and the Oklahoma Beef Council.

“We’re asking participants to RSVP to help us plan for necessary social distancing,” said Tommy Puffinbarger, Alfalfa County Extension director and agricultural educator. “In a normal year we would have started hosting meetings in April. It’s imperative we assist producers in taking advantage of opportunities to maximize potential profits through BQA certification.”

Participants can RSVP for the Blackwell meeting by calling the Kay County Extension Office at 580-362-3191. Those attending the Cherokee event should call the Alfalfa County Extension Office at 580-596-3131.

OQBN is administered by the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences, part of the university’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.