By Beth Doran, Sherry Hoyer
Changes in packer requirements will affect the information cattle feeders must provide to market cattle. To help feedlot producers learn about and adapt to these changes, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are co-hosting a series of meetings, “Beef Quality Assurance Certification and Assuring Cattle Care” in northwest Iowa.
“Our consumer has always expected beef produced to be safe and wholesome for their family. The beef industry recognized this many decades ago and developed a voluntary certification program called ‘Beef Quality Assurance’ for producers to help them produce a safe, high quality product,” said Doug Bear, director of industry relations, Iowa Beef Industry Council.
Beth Doran, beef program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, adds, “But, now consumers want to know more information and packers have listened closely to consumers’ requests. They want to know how the animals are cared for – how they are fed and managed.”
A series of meetings will help producers understand these new changes in marketing cattle:
- July 7, 1-3 p.m., Iowa Lakes Community College Auditorium, Emmetsburg. Park in the northeast parking lot and use entrances 1, 2 or 3.
- July 7, 7-9 p.m., Northwest Iowa Community College Auditorium, Sheldon. Park in parking lot #1 and enter Building C.
- July 14, 1-3 p.m., Community Center, Moville. Located at 815 Main Street next to the library.
- July 14, 7-9 p.m., Sac County Fairgrounds, Sac City. Located on east Main Street. Just east of the Raccoon River bridge. Meeting will be in the 4-H Building (old skating rink).
Source:iastate.edu