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Beef/Cattle Extension Program
2002: Beef Quality Assurance and Montana Beef Network
"This
year we are offering the opportunity to become
certified utilizing our new Interactive BQA training
and testing CD-ROM. " |
From "Beef: Questions &
Answers" newsletter*
By Leif Anderson, Coordinator BQA/MBN
Another production year has begun and our education and
certification programs are in full swing. We are excited
about the new updates and offerings available from BQA,
MBN and our Interactive TV seminars.
Beef Quality Assurance
Don't forget to check if your BQA certification has
expired. Remember this expires two years from the date
you last certified. If you need to be re-certified,
or plan to certify for the first time, contact your
local MSU Extension Agent or visit www.bqa.montana.edu
for more information. This year we are offering the
opportunity to become certified utilizing our new Interactive
BQA training and testing CD-ROM. Certification is simple
and becoming increasingly requested by feeders and buyers.
A study conducted by Montana State University ag economist
Dr. Gary Brester stated, "it appears that BQA added
$1.56/cwt to steer calf prices and $1.09/cwt to heifer
calf prices." If you are just interested in what
BQA certification could mean to you, stop by your local
Extension office and pick up the new MT-BQA brochure.
Interactive TV Education
At the end of May, Montana MarketManager in cooperation
with the Montana Beef Network has scheduled a genetic
improvement workshop series. On May 22, Dr. Jim Gosey,
University of Nebraska, will address part 1: Genetic
Decisions to Meet Beef Industry Needs. The following
Wednesday, May 29; Dr. Patsy Houghton, President of
Heartland Beef Company, will teach part 2: Is your
Heifer Program Robbing your Bottom Line? Registration
is free. Call: (406) 761-4596 or visit www.montanamarketmanager.org.
Montana Beef Network
Beginning its fourth year, the Montana Beef Network's
overall goals remain the same:
- Beef Quality Assurance Certification
- Feeder Calf Certification
- Return of Feedlot AND Carcass Results to
the Producer
To continue providing these services, MBN consists
of three strategic partners: Montana State University,
Montana Stockgrowers Association and Frontier Beef Systems.
In addition, an advisory committee consisting of representatives
from Montana's beef industry provides valuable insight
to the program's direction. This unique structure allows
each partner to focus on the strengths they bring to
the Montana Beef Network.
For more information about the new structure of MBN
or how to enroll calves, call your local Extension agent
or visit www.mbn.montana.edu.
Beef:
Questions & Answers is a joint project between
MSU Extension and the Montana Beef Council. This column
informs producers about current consumer education,
promotion and research projects funded through the
$1 per head checkoff. For more information, contact
the Montana Beef Council at (406) 442-5111 or at beefcncl@mt.net
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