03/21/06 BQA and NAIS workshops

Beef and dairy cattle producers in eastern Idaho and the Magic Valley are invited to attend a hands-on, interactive workshop beginning next week. The University of Idaho extension beef specialist Jason Ahola says the half-day workshops will help producers with two programs that are part of their future. AHOLA "What we're trying to do is address everything that we know right now about the National Animal Identification System and we also have the Idaho State Department of Agriculture there. And the other component is Beef Quality Assurance. That's really increasing around the country as a method of adding value to cattle." This is the last round in a series of workshops held around the state. Nearly 500 producers turned out for the 13 prior meetings last fall and winter. The U of I, Idaho Farm Bureau, the Idaho Cattlemen's Association and the Idaho Beef Council helped to sponsor the workshops starting next Monday, March 27th at Rexburg. On Tuesday, March 28th it will be in Pocatello, followed by sessions in Rupert, Shoshone and Twin Falls to round out the week. Registration is ten dollars per person and includes both BQA certification and a meal. Producers should pre-register by March 24. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott