Beef Certificate Program Applications Now Being Accepted

Oct 02, 2026

The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) now is accepting Beef Certificate Program applications for the 2026-27 school year. Kansas family and consumer sciences (FCS) and ProStart teachers can apply online at www.kansasbeef.org. Teachers with questions can contact KBC Director of Nutrition Abby Heidari at abby@kansasbeef.org or (785) 273-5225.

The checkoff-funded program allows Kansas beef producers to support local schools and empower the next generation of shoppers to make informed decisions about the food they purchase and prepare at home. Through the program, FCS and ProStart teachers can receive funding to buy beef for classroom labs and gain access to more than 10 standards-based lesson plans covering beef selection, safe handling and nutrition. Reimbursement amounts are based on class enrollment and school classification. KBC provides the lesson plans and teacher support at no cost. Last year, 142 schools across 58 counties participated in the program, reaching 21,784 students.

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Video: Biosecurity Audit Common Findings - Dr. Erin Kettelkamp

In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Erin Kettelkamp from Swine Vet Center reviews common biosecurity audit findings from the Spring 2026 outbreak season across the Midwest. She explains how PRRS pressure exposed filtration leaks, transport gaps, smoke testing needs, and daily execution issues that can weaken even strong biosecurity investments. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Basic biosecurity execution can determine whether a filtration investment delivers real protection or leaves costly gaps exposed."

Meet the guest: Dr. Erin Kettelkamp is a consulting swine veterinarian with Swine Vet Center in northern Illinois. She specializes in herd health, biosecurity, and disease prevention across all phases of swine production, with applied field research focused on disease prevention and practical biosecurity solutions. Learn more from Dr. Erin Kettelkamp on The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.