FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Free beef quality training to be offered in Abilene

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 18, 2005―Beef producers can get free training to help them become more competitive by attending the Texas Beef Quality Producer Program in Abilene, Texas, on Wednesday, May 18.
            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, explains Dick Sherron, president of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
            “In addition, the program updates ranchers on changes occurring in the industry and what we must do to increase demand for our cattle. It clearly demonstrates how a producer’s actions on the ranch have a huge impact on the final beef product,” emphasizes Sherron.
            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. 
            “Certification recognizes an elite group of cattle producers who do things right,” asserts Sherron. Cattle producers must embrace BQA methods if they plan on staying in business.
            “Consumers―the people who buy our beef to eat―are telling us they want their food, not only delicious, but safe, wholesome and raised responsibly. We must respond if we want a place for our beef to go.”
            Although the program is free, persons planning to attend are asked to RSVP by May 11 so planners can prepare for the right number of participants. To RSVP or for more information call TSCRA at 1 (800) 242-7820, ext. 118 and ask for Mark Perrier or e-mail mperrier@texascattleraisers.org.
            The program will be held in the Big Country Hall at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.
            Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The Level I program begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be served. The Level II program begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. 
            The TBQP program is a collaborative effort of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Beef Council and Texas Cooperative Extension. 
            Funding is provided by TSCRA, checkoff dollars from TBC and generous sponsorships from Caprock Cattle Feeders―a Cargill company, Pfizer Animal Health, Heritage Land Bank, AgriLand Farm Credit Services, Capital Farm Credit, AgTexas Farm Credit Services, Southwest Texas ACA, Ag Credit of South Texas and Great Plains Ag Credit.
            Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 128-year-old trade organization whose 13,000 members manage approximately 5.4 million head of cattle on 70.3 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma.

TSCRA-15-2005