The Youth Pork Quality Assurance™ program, or Youth PQA, was launched on Feb. 1, 2004. This new certification program will allow youth ages eight to18 to participate in a nationwide program that emphasizes producing safe, wholesome and nutritious pork for consumers.

The Youth PQA program was modeled after the Pork Quality Assurance Level III program. Both programs emphasize 10 good production practices that pork producers should utilize as they demonstrate their commitment to “quality assured” pork production.

A dedication to producing the highest quality, safest product possible is critical if pork is to remain competitive in domestic and international markets and is to be the "consumer's meat of choice". By completing this program, producers demonstrate their commitment to "quality assured" pork production.

On June 1, 2008, Youth PQA Plus will replace the Youth PQA program. Youth PQA will not be available anymore after that date. Visit the Youth PQA Plus tab to find out more about the new Youth PQA Plus certification.

Youth PQA training materials are available at no cost by clicking on the link or calling the Pork Checkoff Service Center at 1-800-456-PORK

• Youth PQA Manual: Education manual and CD-ROM to assist Youth PQA educators with educating young pork producers on the importance of Pork Quality Assurance.
• Youth PQA Slideshow: A PowerPoint slideshow to assist Youth PQA educators with educating young pork producers on the 10 Good Production Practices.
• Youth PQA Brochure: Brochure describing the basic concepts, benefits, and a short background on the Pork Quality Assurance program along with activity suggestion to aid in the Youth PQA education training.
• PQA/HACCP: This brochure outlines the changes that packing plants are adhering and how this affects pork producers
• PQA Injection Chart: The injection chart reviews proper injection techniques, needle sizes and gauges and the hazards of bent or broken needles
• Weather Chart: Livestock weather safety index chart showing alert, danger, and emergency heat levels relative to humidity intervals
• Online PQA Verification: Online website for educators only. From here educators can certify, re-certify, create exams, and reprint certificates for youth.
• Youth PQA Education Form: To be filled out by the educator after the youth has completed PQA training.
• Key Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the Youth PQA training the youth will be able to perform these functions.
• 2005 Minimum Standards: A revised list of the 2004 Minimum Standards for State Quality Assurance Programs
• Youth PQA Instructors: A list of Youth PQA instructors by state qualified to hold educator training sessions.

Other PQA materials such as videos on PQA Level III Certification, Swine Handling, Injection Techniques for swine and many others are available with a fee through the Pork Store Catalog.

For any questions/comments contact the Pork Checkoff Service Center @

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