BQA Training and Ranch Management Forum Offered to Livestock Producers

(February 6, 2012. Salem, Oregon) - The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association in cooperation with OSU Extension Service and USDA Risk Management Agency will offer great educational opportunities free to Oregon cattle ranchers in Corvallis this week.

There will be a Beef Quality Assurance Training (BQA), Thursday, February 9th from 6-9 pm at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis given by Cory Parsons, the Oregon BQA Coordinator. The BQA training helps producers identify management processes that can be improved.

BQA is a nationally recognized program that provides guidelines for beef cattle production. BQA programs include best practices around good record keeping and protecting herd health, which can result in more profits for producers. It is recommended that those who are BQA certified are re-certified every three years.

A Ranch Management forum will be held on Friday, February 10th from 10 am – 12 pm at the Comfort Inn Suites in Corvallis. Lauren Gwin, OSU Co-coordinator of Niche Meat Processing Assistance Network, will present on Alternative Market Options: Risks and Opportunities. This presentation will cover different types of marketing programs, certification programs, conservation markets, how to qualify, the economic benefits and what to consider when making alternative marketing decisions.  During a discussion forum Lauren will answer niche marketing related questions.

Bart Eleveld with OSU extension will share extension-developed management and decision tools for ranchers to implement on their operations.  He will inform ranchers about minimizing risk through financial analysis and planning with the use of ranch management information systems.  Tools developed through applied research on production economics allow ranchers to make sound business and ranch management decisions.  Bart is an expert in agricultural and resource economics and will provide time for attendee’s financial and business management questions.

The Oregon Cattlemen’s Spring Quarterly will follow with updates on animal health, brand and theft, legislative, membership, private lands, public lands, water and wolves. The meeting goes until 5 pm starting back up at 8 am Saturday morning (ending at 12:00 pm Saturday). Friday evening will be a social and tri-tip dinner hosted by the OSU Young Cattlemen at 5:30 pm. Contact OCA or visit www.orcattle.com for more information.

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To learn more about the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and our work in conservation and sustainability, please visit our website at: www.orcattle.com or contact Kay Teisl, Executive Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 503-383-6045.