South Dakota State University Extension will help swine producers, transporters and handlers update their Pork Quality Assurance Plus and Transportation Quality Assurance on Jan. 10 in Sioux Falls. 

TQA trainings are from at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST, and PQA Plus trainings are from 3 to 5 p.m. CST. The certification programs are being offered as part of the 55th annual South Dakota Pork Congress, which is Jan. 10 and 11 in the exhibit hall of the Sioux Falls Best Western Plus Ramkota. 

TQA is a certification program that trains people in the swine industry how to handle, move and transport pigs. PQA Plus is an education and certification program designed to help pig farmers and their employees improve production practices. It addresses food and worker safety, animal well-being, environmental stewardship, public health and community. 

All swine caretakers must have a current PQA Plus Certification within 90 days of their new employment date. The events are also open to anyone interested in learning more about pork production. 

“PQA Plus exemplifies the commitment of farmers to continuously improve pig production practices. The training process answers customers’ requests for significant, relevant food safety standards and improved animal welfare,” said Ryan Samuel, assistant professor and SDSU Extension swine specialist. "In a similar manner, the TQA certification program delves into how transporters influence the well-being of pigs and the quality of pork."

For more information, contact Samuel, or Bob Thaler, Farm Credit Services of America Endowed Chair in Swine Production, Distinguished Professor and SDSU Extension swine specialist.