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BQU training program
set for Jan. 31 at JVS
BLOOMINGDALE -- With consumers concerned for animal welfare and sustainable food production, Beef Quality Assurance is now required by business giants such as Tyson Foods and Wendy's, owners of a major share of the U.S. beef market, to meet public demand, according to a news release from OSU Extension of Jefferson County.
BQA is a national program that builds consumer confidence in the best management within all areas of the beef industry, from the farm to the grocery store.
"If you sell cattle, including cull cows, at the Muskingum Livestock Auction or Sugarcreek Livestock Auction, it is highly recommended that you get BQA certified. Not every market requires BQA, but many are switching to this requirement beginning in 2019," the release notes.
The BQA training programs include topics on good record keeping and maintaining herd health. By building trust with the consumer, consumers will be more confident in the meat that they purchase, increasing product demand, the release adds.
Join Erika Lyon and Dan Lima, OSU Extension agriculture and natural resources educators, for an in-person BQA training from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 31. The training will be held at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, located at 1509 county Highway 22A. The Ohio BQA program can be used to meet the National Cattlemen's Beef Association BQA guidelines and to give producers a competitive base for marketing cattle in Ohio.
There is no cost for the Bloomingdale BQA training, but pre-registration is required. Contact OSU Extension, Jefferson County at (740) 264-2212 or e-mail lyon.194@osu.edu to register one week prior to the session.
More in-person BQA training sessions can be found at http://u.osu.edu/beefteam/events-programs/. For those who can't make the in-person BQA training, online certification is available. Visit bqa.org to get BQA certified online. Online training consists of a series of lessons and quizzes to become certified and will take two hours to complete.
More markets also will be requiring BQA transportation certification. BQAT training covers the proper handling and transport of cattle to improve meat quality and animal health. Cattle transporters looking into becoming certified in BQAT, can visit https://www.bqa.org/programs/bqa-transportation for information.
Four Seasons Seniors
install new officers
WEIRTON -- The Four Seasons Senior Citizens held their meeting and Christmas party at Undo's. President Chris Sklenar presided.
After dinner, members were entertained by Tom Graham singing songs of the season. The business part of the meeting was suspended. Every member received a gift.
Officers for the next two years were sworn in with Gene Viola to serve as president. Other officers are Norma Yoho, first vice president; Chris Sklenar, second vice president; Tom Maxwell, secretary; Carolyn Shaffer, treasurer; Josie Cekinovich, menu, reservations and membership; Kathryn Hardsouk, parliamentarian; and Tony LaRosa and Mary Rose Spano, chaplains.
The next meeting will be held Jan 16.
Steubenville Saddle Club
banquet scheduled Jan. 19
STEUBENVILLE -- The Steubenville Saddle Club will hold its 2018 awards banquet on Jan. 19 at the Four Seasons Community Center, which is located in the former Pleasant Hill Elementary School on state Route 213.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and the dinner begins at 6 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish and a dessert and a small gift for the exchange.
To RSVP by Jan. 12 contact Marty Ternasky at (740) 543-8277 or (740) 346-6960 or Robin Wedlake at (740) 424-7606.
Jewett Volunteer Fire Dept.
to host fundraiser dinner
JEWETT -- The Jewett Volunteer Fire Department will host a fundraiser baked steak and baked meatloaf dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 13.
The menu will include salad bar, bread, dessert and beverage. The meal cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children.