As cattlemen and women gather in Oklahoma City for Cattlemen’s Congress, Jan. 1-16, to showcase and market their elite cattle genetics, cattle producers also have the opportunity to participate in a unique seminar featuring national beef industry and breed leaders while achieving their Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification.
The educational event is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. on Jan. 4 at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds in the Super Barn Sales Arena, and all producers are invited to attend. The BQA certification seminar will include a panel of speakers, featuring national breed leadership, discussing the importance of quality and marketing for beef producers.
The panel discussion will be facilitated by Josh White, executive director of producer education and sustainability at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and will include the following:
• Shane Bedwell—American Hereford Association COO and director of breed improvement.
• Kara Lee—Certified Angus Beef assistant director of producer engagement.
• Clint Rusk—American-International Charolais Association executive vice president.
• Megan Slater—American Gelbvieh Association executive director.
• Heather Buckmaster—Oklahoma Beef Council executive director.
According to Buckmaster, “This is an outstanding opportunity for cattle producers to gain new industry insights, earn their (BQA) certification and see some of the best cattle in the nation.”
Attendees who complete their BQA certification will receive a meal coupon to the Capital City Cafй located at the fairgrounds for use during Cattlemen’s Congress. There is no cost to attend the event, but attendees are asked to RSVP at www.oklabeef.org/bqa. The seminar is sponsored by the Oklahoma Beef Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.
BQA is a national program that raises consumer confidence by offering research-based best management techniques and fostering a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry. BQA certification is valid for three years. If your last BQA training occurred prior to 2018, your BQA certification could be expired. Beef producers are encouraged to attend to keep their BQA certification current.
For those unable to attend training in person, BQA certification is also available online at www.bqa.org. — Bob LeValley, Oklahoma BQA coordinator
