By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension is organizing summer training sessions for pig producers to help them renew their certifications in Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA). These certification programs are designed to improve animal care, ensure worker safety, and protect the environment.
PQA is an educational program that teaches pig producers how to manage animals properly and safely. It focuses on keeping pigs healthy, maintaining pork quality, and ensuring that farm workers use the best practices.
TQA is another important program. It helps people learn how to move and transport pigs in a safe and careful way. The training explains how proper handling during transport affects pig health and pork quality.
Taw Scaff, the NDSU Extension swine specialist, is the official PQA trainer and TQA advisor for North Dakota. He is leading these training sessions at different locations across the state during the summer. These sessions are an opportunity for producers to update and renew their certifications.
Farmers and transporters who wish to join the training can visit ndsu.ag/pqatrainings to see the full list of training locations and complete their registration.
After registration, participants will receive emails from the National Pork Board and the North Dakota trainer. These emails will include instructions and directions for recertification.
Taw Scaff also advises producers to check and update their contact details on the Pork Checkoff website. This helps them stay informed about upcoming events and announcements from the National Pork Board and state trainers.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: North Dakota, Education, Livestock, Hogs, Rural Lifestyle