The certification process requires attendance at a day-long training session and passing an exam at the conclusion of that session. The Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University (ISU) will hold one such training on 18 October.

James McKean, IPIC associate director and ISU Extension swine veterinarian, is coordinating the training to be held in Room 2215 Veterinary Medicine on the Iowa State campus. He said the session will be taught by Iowa State animal science and veterinary medicine faculty members who are certified PQA Plus trainers.

Dr McKean said those who qualify and are interested in the programme should download, complete and submit the two-page application form available online [click here]. The form also is available by fax by calling Sunny Hsu at IPIC at 515-294-4103.

He added: "If you're interested in attending, please let us know by submitting an application as soon as possible because we likely will not schedule another advisor certification session until 2012. The application deadline is 11 October with the $75 due from approved applicants by the certification session."

PQA Plus certificate application qualifications

To be eligible to submit an application, people must meet the following qualifications:

1. Be a veterinarian, extension specialist or ag educator (defined for this programme as a person who spends full time in adult education or at least half time in production training) AND
2. Have a DVM or BS in animal science or an equivalent combination of education and swine production experience as determined by the PQA Plus trainer reviewing the application AND
3. Have two years of recent documentable swine production experience.