BI logocountdown pixtOur Countdown to Quality begins for beef and dairy producers around the country. Show your commitment to the industry and become BQA certified today. St. Joseph, MO, October 17, 2014 - The countdown has begun for beef and dairy producers to become BQA certified for free through October 31. And, as an added bonus, anyone who becomes certified during this period is eligible to win a new cooler and grilling package, courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. and the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will pick up the $25-$50 certification fee for beef or dairy producers who are interested in becoming certified or recertified during this period. Visit www.BIVI-BQA.com to take advantage of the open certification period.

The winner of the cooler and grilling package will be drawn from anyone who is certified between September 1-October 31. Watch for an announcement of the winner on Facebook. To be eligible for more prizes during the Countdown to Quality event, like Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica's Facebook page BIVI Prevention Works and follow our daily posts or follow #FreeBQA on Twitter.

"We are honored to be able to support the cattle industry through this sponsorship," says Steve Boren, Executive Director of the U.S. Cattle and Equine Business Segments for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. "BQA education aligns with Prevention Works, our focus of preventing disease in cattle. We do this because it is the right thing for the animal, for the producer and for the consumer."

About BQA
The BQA program is important to the cattle industry as it gives producers a set of best practices for producing a safe and high quality beef product. And for dairy producers, this offering is also beneficial as a tool to promote safe animal handling practices, and because a large percentage of dairy calves and market cows make their way into the food chain.

The BQA certification modules are customized to fit the specific needs of each segment of the cattle industry – cow-calf, stocker, feedyard and dairy operations. The program covers best management practices such as proper handling and administration of vaccinations and other products, eliminating injection site blemishes, and better cattle-handling principles.

"One of the challenges that beef producers face is having all of their employees become BQA certified," says Dr. Jerry Woodruff, Professional Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. "Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.'s partnership with BQA helps offset some of those expenses, and we encourage producers and their employees to use the web-based training programs."

More than 11,000 producers have taken advantage of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.'s BQA certification sponsorship. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.'s sponsorship also includes financial support of the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University, which developed the certification module. To become BQA certified, or learn more about the program, visit www.BIVI-BQA.com .

What can Beef Quality Assurance (video) do for you?

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10.17.2014