Latest Pig Industry News
Chance for Pork Producers to Get Certified in 2009
US - The University of Minnesota Swine Extension team, in partnership with the Minnesota Pork Board, is offering multiple training and certification courses for both Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) throughout the state in 2009.
The PQA+ training sessions certify adults in that program, covering ten on-farm good production practices that affect pork quality, while also discussing the current issues affecting animal welfare and describing the PQA+ site assessment process. The TQA training sessions educate individuals in pig behavior, animal handling and transport, and involve passing an open-book exam for certification.
Both programs are being required by most hog packers, and certification lasts for 3 years. “Participation by pork producers in these quality assurance programs demonstrates to consumers and the public that our pork industry takes food safety and animal welfare very seriously, and that we implement production practices to ensure the highest level of both,” states Dr. Mark Whitney, U of M Swine Extension team leader.
There is no cost to attend any of the sessions, but pre-registration is requested by calling the Minnesota Pork Board office at (800) 537-7675. Future training sites include Mapleton, Marshall, Waseca, Worthington, Mankato, Morris, St. Cloud, Rochester, and Fergus Falls.
More of the latest Pig Industry News
Strong CAP Needed to Help Europe Grow
Feed Segment Still Key for DaChan
Report Highlights Impacts of Livestock Production- Agriculture a Key Area for NPC
US Pork Exports to Mexico Thriving
Bringing Home the Bacon – At Last!
Connecting Urban Public to Agriculture
UK Slaughter Statistics - March 2010- CME: US Trade Officials Attempt to Seal Pork Deal
- BIVI Announces 2010 PRRS Research Award Recipients
