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Pork Quality Assurance™ (PQA) Program
PQA Level III is a program developed by the
Pork Checkoff
for producers and their employees to ensure the production
of safe, wholesome pork products. Producers and their
employees are certified for three years after attending PQA
certification courses.
PQA Level III consists of 10 Good
Production
Practices that focus on improved animal and herd
health management. Caretakers are instructed, among
other things, on how to record medication use and identify
treated animals, how to administer medication correctly and
other practices that help to avoid residues and physical
hazards in pork.
The program has been adopted successfully by thousands of
pork producers. PQA-certified producers
may increase production efficiency and opportunity for
profit. PQA also helps producers demonstrate to their
customers that they care about pork safety and are
taking measurable steps to protect the safety of the pork
they produce.
Participants can contact their local associations or
agricultural Extension offices to receive more information
on PQA. The Pork Checkoff's Web site
(porkboard.org) is also available as a source for
information and PQA materials.
Youth PQA™ Program
The
Youth PQA program was developed as an educational
opportunity for youth participating in pork
production, including 4-H programs and showing pigs.
The National Pork Board, through Checkoff funds, developed
this program, which reviews PQA principles
in a form structured for youth ages
9 to 18.
Youth are required to review PQA’s 10 Good
Production Practices with their instructors and are
tested for their knowledge and understanding of these
concepts. Participants are required to review PQA
practices yearly, and recertification is required every
three years.
Youth interested in pork production can contact their
local associations or agricultural Extension offices to
receive information on Youth PQA courses. The Pork
Checkoff's Web site also is available as a source for
information and Youth PQA materials.
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