Why Take Advantage Of Online BQA Certification Training?

By Heidi Carroll

Harvest will soon be in full swing throughout South Dakota. Many cattlemen and dairymen will find themselves with little time to think or do anything else except get the crops out of the fields before the weather gets colder. They may want to consider nevertheless a FREE BQA online certification program generously sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. taking place during September and October 2014. This saves producers $25 to $50 on the online certification modules offered through the Kansas State Beef Cattle Institute.

To access the BQA online training, visit the Beef Quality Assurance website and click to enter the webpage containing the modules and the code you need to enter during registration is listed at the top of the page.

These online modules contain slide shows and video footage on many topics presented by industry experts in livestock handling and husbandry practices. What is great about these online modules is that you can work at your own pace any time of the day. Once you start a module, you can leave and come back starting at where you left off.

Upon completion of the online training, South Dakota beef and dairy producers can work with the SD Beef Industry Council to develop, or update, a Site Plan and Treatment Plan for their operation to complete Level 2 BQA certification. Producers will work with their veterinarian to establish a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) and review their Site Plan and Treatment Plan. Once your veterinarian signs off on your plan, submit it to the SD Beef Industry Council for approval. After approval, you will be notified of your completion of Level 2 BQA certification. In South Dakota, Level 2 certification is required to be considered a BQA certified producer and be able to market your calves as such.