The Beef Quality Assurance training and certification program will be offered in 17 Indiana counties in November.

In partnership with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Purdue Extension will host events to provide producers with industry insights and the option to complete their voluntary BQA certification.

The nearest sessions to Jackson County will be offered from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Washington County Government Building, 806 Martinsburg Road, Salem, and the Southeast Purdue Ag Center, 4425 E. County Road 350N, Butlerville, and from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Feldun Purdue Agricultural Center shop, 1117 State Road 458, Bedford.

Presented by a team of Purdue Extension educators, the sessions will cover various topics, including minimizing carcass defects; improving animal health and well-being; and meeting standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency.

Preregistration is being sought to secure necessary accommodations.

To RSVP for the session in Salem, call Danielle Walker at 812-883-4601. The contact for the Butlerville session is Jill Andrew-Richards at 812-438-3656. The contact for the Bedford session is Ophelia Davis at 812-275-4623.

Producers also have the option to complete their BQA certification online at bqa.org at their convenience. Certification completed at the events or online is valid for three years.