On January 16, 2025, South Dakota State University Extension will provide Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training at the Codington County Extension Complex in Watertown, South Dakota. Aiming to enrich the quality of beef management practices, this session will take place in Classroom A from 2 to 4 p.m., welcoming all members involved in the beef industry.
The Codington County Extension Complex in Watertown serves as a vital educational hub, hosting numerous events and functions, including the renowned Watertown Winter Farm Show. The complex, strategically positioned in a region rich with agricultural heritage and innovation, supports South Dakota’s vibrant farming community. With events like the Watertown Home Builders Show and Pro-Pheasants Banquet, the complex is no stranger to diverse gatherings that bolster community vitality and engagement.
SDSU Extension is no exception when it comes to fostering agricultural expertise. As a leading land-grant university in the state, SDSU, through its Extension services, offers an array of programs centered around livestock systems, crop management, 4-H youth development, and community vitality. The upcoming BQA training reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to beef quality, consumer confidence, and producer education.
Addie Womack, SDSU Extension Livestock Production and Stewardship Field Specialist, renowned for her dedication and expertise in livestock management, will lead the training. This session promises to be an insightful event for producers, addressing beef production standards and improving herd profitability through enhanced management practices.
South Dakota State University Extension
In addition to advancing technical knowledge, the BQA training emphasizes the importance of public perception. As noted by Addie Womack, “By becoming BQA certified, producers can uphold consumer confidence in beef, enhance herd profitability through better management, safeguard the public image of the beef industry, and improve the sale of marketed beef.”
Codington County, a thriving agricultural region, plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy. With its Extension Office acting as an administrative hub for the local 4-H program and other agricultural events, the county nurtures the upcoming generations poised to lead the future of farming. The Codington County 4-H program, for example, offers ample opportunities for youth across various age groups to engage with agriculture, thereby securing a steadfast agricultural legacy.
SD BQA Coordinator Addie Womack, who is based in Mitchell, South Dakota, is responsible for organizing this vital training event. Her involvement further underlines the significance of this initiative not only for the present-day challenges the industry faces but also for future prospects.
The training session will provide refreshments and light snacks, courtesy of Agri-Tech, providing participants with a comfortable learning environment to maximize the benefits of this educational opportunity. Adding to this, Madison Kovarna, SDSU Extension Beef Nutrition Field Specialist, will co-host the event.
To register for the BQA training or to request further information, participants may reach out to Addie Womack via email at [email protected] or call 605-995-7378. The event underscores SDSU’s commitment to its land-grant mission—educating citizens and fostering technological advancements to meet current and future agricultural needs.
South Dakota’s agricultural landscape continues to evolve, and SDSU Extension stands at the forefront, equipping producers with essential knowledge and resources. The BQA certification session is merely one in a series of strategic educational offerings designed to elevate South Dakota’s agriculture to new heights.