PQA Plus® and TQA® Training Session scheduled for Clayton County

The Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University (ISUEO) Extension and Outreach are teaming up to provide training for pork producers and others who need certification in Pork Quality Assurance Plus® (PQA Plus®) and Transporter Quality Insurance® (TQA®). Programs have been scheduled for Wednesday, February 15 in Elkader, according to ISUEO swine specialist Mark Storlie.

“The programs will be held at the Freedom Bank’s Community Room, 210 South Main Street, in Elkader.  TQA® session will begin at 12:30 pm and the PQA Plus® session will start at 3 pm” Storlie said “Attend one program or both, but pre-registration is required.”

To preregister, contact the Clayton County Extension office at 563-245-1451.  Questions may be directed to Mark Storlie by phone at 563-425-3331 or mstorlie@iastate.edu.

Pork Quality Assurance® Plus provides a framework for significant, relevant food safety standards and improved animal well-being. Pork producers pride themselves on the commitment to continuous improvement and the PQA Plus is regularly revised to increase its effectiveness, incorporate new research information, and ensure the program’s validity.

“The program allows an individual to certify online for PQA Plus® certification.  Please contact me or contact your PQA Plus® Advisor for additional information,” said Storlie.

“Pork producers are encouraged to check when their current certification will expire, and plan ahead,” he said. A “PQA Plus® Site Status” is earned by having a PQA Plus® site assessment conducted by a PQA Plus® Advisor. A list of approved advisors is available at the National Pork Board Web site.

To learn more about PQA Plus™ visit online at http://www.pork.org/Producers/PQAP.aspx. Extension and Outreach connects Iowans to Iowa State University’s academic programs and scientists.