Farms.com Home  › News

SDSU Extension Offers Beef Quality Assurance Training in Madison in November

South Dakota State University Extension is offering a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training course on Nov. 12, 2026, in Madison.  

The training is from 5 to 7 p.m. CDT at the SDSU Extension Lake County Office. Anyone involved in raising or handling cattle is encouraged to attend. Registration is free and includes training materials. To register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “beef”.

Paige Madison, SDSU Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Field Specialist, said BQA is part of a nationwide effort that guides producers toward continuous improvement using science-based production practices that assure cattle well-being, beef quality and safety.

“We know cattle producers care about raising safe, high-quality animals, and Beef Quality Assurance training is one way to help them achieve that,” Madison said. “We are proud to continue providing this program to producers in South Dakota.”

The BQA program provides educational opportunities for beef and dairy farmers and ranchers throughout the state and works to improve the quality of beef produced by connecting producers with the newest research and animal care techniques.

During the event, attendees can become BQA certified, and certification is valid for three years.

Source : sdstate.edu

Trending Video

Biosecurity Audit Common Findings - Dr. Erin Kettelkamp

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.