Area cattle producers and community members participated in a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the First Baptist Church in Houston.
This educational event was hosted in partnership with the Texas County Cattlemen’s Association and MU Extension in Texas County. Progressive Ozark Bank in Houston sponsored the meal for participants.
BQA is a nationally recognized program promoted by the Missouri Beef Industry Council that emphasizes best management practices, animal care, food safety and stewardship throughout the beef industry. Producers that successfully complete the course receive a BQA certification that is good for three years.
“Cattlemen in Missouri do a great job with their livestock,”, said Eric Meusch, MU Extension Livestock Specialist, “but taking the step to become BQA certified shows extra commitment to producing quality beef for consumers.”
The event in Houston was attended by over 60 people with 44 local producers becoming BQA certified.
“The success of this event was largely due to the collaboration with the Texas County Cattlemen’s Association that provides regular educational opportunities to its members throughout the year,” Meusch said.
For more information about Beef Quality Assurance or MU Extension you can contact the Texas County Extension office in Houston at 417-967-4545. To learn more about the Texas County Cattlemen’s Association contact Elishah Nickels at nickelsfarms1949@gmail.com. Eric Meusch can be reached by email at meusche@missouri.edu.