Pork Quality Assurance (PQA Plus) classes offered

BROOKINGS – Swine producers and employees looking to certify or renew their Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) certifications will have three opportunities in April.

The first one is scheduled for April 19, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the SDSU Extension Regional Center in Aberdeen; 13 2nd Ave. SE; 605-626-2870. The second one is scheduled for April 19 at 6 p.m. at the Crossroads Hotel in Huron; 100 4th St. SW. The third opportunity is scheduled for April 22 at 2 p.m. at the Parker Community Building in Parker; 299 N Main Ave.

More about PQA Plus

PQA Plus was built as a continuous improvement program that emphasizes good management practices in the handling and use of animal health products, and encourages producers to review their approach to their herd’s health problems. PQA Plus is a workable, credible and affordable solution to assure food safety and animal care to help meet the needs of customers including restaurants, food retailers, and consumers. A PQA Plus certification assures consumers they are purchasing the highest quality, safest product possible while caring for animal well-being. By completing this program, producers demonstrate their commitment to quality assured pork production. The PQA Plus program achieves it goals through producer training by a certified PQA Plus advisor, an objective assessment of on-farm animal well-being, and a PQA Plus survey designed to evaluate the implementation of PQA Plus in the industry.

Producers and employees looking for more information or to sign-up for one of the classes can contact Ashley Gelderman, SDSU Extension Swine Field Specialist at 605-782-3290, ashley.gelderman@sdstate.edu or Robert Thaler, SDSU Extension State Swine Specialist at 605-688-5435 or robert.thaler@sdstate.edu.