Beef producers are invited to obtain their Beef Quality Assurance certification at a classroom and hands-on workshop at Hoskings Sales, 6096 State Route 8, New Berlin, NY, August 27, 2015 , 6 p.m.

The BQA program is a multi-tier process through which producers complete a Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship agreement which certifies knowledge of best health management practices, ability to administer routine treatment, and over-sight by a cooperating veterinarian.

The process assures that producers precondition animals with proper vaccines to minimize the need for sick animal treatment such as antibiotics.  At the workshop Cornell Beef Specialist Dr. Mike Baker will discuss how careful breeding and genetic selection can produce uniform cattle for market.  Dr. Baker will demonstrate handling techniques to minimize stress and injury of the cattle.

Dr. Bill Johnson of Leatherstocking Veterinarian Services will assist with health subjects such as understanding medicinal labels, handling and care of pharmaceuticals, types of vaccinations ( inter-muscular, pour-on, subcutaneous, etc.), and recordkeeping.

After the classroom format, Dr. Johnson will demonstrate and participants will utilize treatment techniques.

BQA is an important way that farmers are able to demonstrate to consumers that their food is healthy and that animals are well cared for.

To assist with preparation, interested participants are asked to pre-register through the Cooperstown Cooperative Extension Office by calling (607) 547-2536, ext. 0, or email  otsego@cornell.edu.  There will be a $10 charge to each farm for the Beef Quality Assurance Manual.