Beef Quality Training to Be Offered Free in Ardmore

ARDMORE, Okla. — The Noble Foundation and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association again have teamed up to bring the Texas Beef Quality Producer Program to an expanded group of beef producers in southern Oklahoma and northern Texas. The free training will be at the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Ardmore, Okla., on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

The Texas Beef Quality Producer Program teaches the principles of Beef Quality Assurance, a proven system of sensible management practices that help improve the quality and safety of beef.

"This is excellent training for all beef producers," said Shan Ingram, education and special projects manager in the Noble Foundation's Agricultural Division.

Each session involves an intensive eight hours of training, divided into two levels. Level I covers BQA principles, industry update, marketing strategies, record keeping, environmental stewardship and proper management practices associated with genetic selection, cattle handling, culling, vaccine and drug use.

Level II provides a detailed explanation of the requirements needed to receive and maintain full certification as a Texas Beef Quality Producer.

"We all need to be concerned about proper and/or recommended production practices to ensure safe and wholesome beef. This training helps us to make sure this is accomplished," Ingram said.

Although the program is free, folks planning to attend are asked to register by Sept. 8 so planners can prepare for the right number of participants. For more information, or to register, call Ingram at (580) 223-5810 or TSCRA's Mark Perrier at (800) 242-7820 ext. 118.

The Southern Oklahoma Technology Center is located at 2610 Sam Noble Parkway (State Hwy. 199), immediately east of the Noble Foundation.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The Level I program begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be served. Level II begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m.

The TBQP program is a cooperative effort among TSCRA, Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Beef Council.

Funding is provided by TSCRA and generous sponsorships from Caprock Cattle Feeders, Pfizer Animal Health, Heritage Land Bank, AgriLand Farm Credit Services, Capital Farm Credit, AgTexas Farm Credit Services, Southwest Texas Agricultural Credit Association, Ag Credit of South Texas, Great Plains Ag Credit and Texas Ag Finance.

###

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a non-profit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement, and plant biology research; providing grants to numerous non-profit charitable, educational and health organizations; and assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs.

To learn more, visit the Noble Foundation Web site at http://www.noble.org.

More news releases available at www.noble.org/Press_Release