Beef Quality Assurance Training to be Held

Beef Quality Assurance Training, Dairy Farm Tour, and NYBPA Region 1 Potluck Scheduled for November 4th in North Collins, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension is partnering with Phillips Farm to show producers the dairy side of beef production, followed by an in-person, hands-on training in beef cattle management to improve animal health, welfare, production, and quality.

by Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist with the SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program

SOUTHWEST, NEW YORK (October 6, 2023) – All cattle producers are welcome to join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a BQA training at Phillips Farm in North Collins, NY, on Saturday, November 4th from 12pm – 4:30pm. The training will follow a tour of Phillips Farm and an NYBPA Region 1 Beef Producer’s potluck, which starts at 10:30am.

The BQA training program covers best management practice guidelines for beef cattle health, welfare, and production, ultimately leading to high quality beef both on the hoof and in the retail case. Topics to be covered include

Stress reduction and management through low-impact handling;

Herd health management and biosecurity;

Identification and recordkeeping;

Transportation considerations;

Introduction to VCPRs, veterinary drugs, and veterinary equipment;

Chute-side manner and how to properly give injections, demonstrated by Dr. Shannon Carpenter of NYS Ag and Markets.

While farmers can take this training to learn more about managing their herds, those who successfully complete it will attain their BQA certification. Training for both level I and level II BQA certification will be offered. If you are taking the training to recertify, you will only need to take the classroom training. However, to become level II certified, you’ll need to be present for both the classroom and chute-side trainings.

The schedule for the day is as follows:

Tour of Phillips Farm: 10:30am - 12pm

NYBPA Region 1 potluck and lunch for BQA training participants: 12pm - 1pm

BQA Level I training (also serves as continuing education): 1pm - 3:30pm

BQA Level II (chuteside) training: 3:30pm - 4:30pm

You are welcome to register for the farm tour and lunch; the BQA training and lunch; or the farm tour, lunch, and BQA training. You do not have to be a member of the Region 1 Beef Producers Association to attend any of the day's activities. Roast beef sandwiches are generously provided by Phillips Farm and Shining Star Cattle Company for lunch; if you'd like, please bring a side dish, drink, or dessert pass!

The cost for the BQA training is $15/farm, which covers two individuals. Additional individuals are $10 each. The potluck and farm tour are offered free of charge. Please register by Wednesday, November 1st at 5pm by contacting Kelly Bourne at klb288@cornell.edu, 585-268-7644ext 10. You can also RSVP online at https://tinyurl.com/SWNYBQA2023.

Phillips Farm is a 1,200 cow family-owned and operated dairy farm located in Southwest Erie County. Ann and David Phillips run the farm with their children and a team dedicated to animal health and well-being. With the increased popularity of beef on dairy in NYS, 50% of the cows on the dairy are bred to quality beef sires to make beef x Holstein calves that move through a value-added calf care program before being sold as young calves or feeders. Some of these calves are raised out for the freezer trade. Ann and her son, Tyler Strub (Region 1 NYBPA Chairman), are part of the three-generation family-owned and operated Shining Star Cattle Company in Springville NY.

SWNYDLFC is a partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Their team includes Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522); Camila Lage, Dairy Management (607-422-6788); Katleyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist (716-640-2047); and Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844). CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

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For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Dick Rivers, rer263@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301. 

Last updated October 9, 2023