Buncombe Cooperative Extension Making an Impact – BQA Trainings for Animal Science Students

— Written By
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Youth BQA Class

The North Carolina School System implements credentials that students are expected to meet/receive by the end of each semester. For Animal Science classes in high schools, one of those credentials is a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification. The BQA program, which stands for Beef Quality Assurance, is a voluntary national program designed to increase consumer confidence in beef products by outlining proper management techniques for cattle. By taking proper care of the animals, farmers ensure a high-quality product for consumers. This certification demonstrates the responsibility farmers feel for their animals, the consumer, and the beef industry as a whole.

There are two levels of BQA certification, one for students and the second is for producers. Teachers can be certified to teach BQA to their students or they can invite their local Livestock Extension Agent to conduct the training.

Two Buncombe County agriculture teachers reached out to Abby Whitaker, Buncombe/Henderson Livestock Agent, and asked how to go about offering BQA certifications starting in the Spring of 2022. Plans were made for a two-day training. The course was originally offered to both Animal Science levels 1 and 2 so all students had an opportunity to become certified.

In 2023, Abby was able to BQA certify over 100 Animal Science students at 2 high schools in Buncombe County. This not only trains the students on recommended practices for the beef industry, but has also strengthened her relationship with local FFA teachers. This has helped some of their students become more involved in other programs Extension offers. The teachers are also quicker to use Extension as a resource for other material and projects. Students recognize us in the community and are more aware of what Extension has to offer.