Tqa In House Training

Maintained by the National Pork Board (NPB), education-based certifications are considered critical training and necessary for pig farms to access major markets in pork production. The NPB regularly revises these certifications to increase effectiveness, incorporate new research information, and ensure the program's validity for all participating farms. Whether you are new to pig farming, expanding your market, or learning more about Pork Checkoff, these trainings are a great place to start! Pork Quality Assurance (PQA Plus) is an education and certification program offered by Pork Check Off. Designed to help pig farmers and pig caretakers continually improve pork production practices, this program addresses food safety, animal well-being, environmental stewardship, worker safety, public health, and community. The first component of the PQA Plus is for individuals to become certified through an education program.

The second part is for farms to receive PQA Plus site status through an on-farm site assessment with a PQA Plus Advisor. Individuals must be at least 14 years of age before completing a PQA Plus training. The PQA Plus certification is available through in-person training with an advisor or online by requesting an advisor to grant you access to the course and exam. The first Pork Quality Assurance® program was established in 1989. It is an education and certification program focused on improved animal well-being and food safety standards. Generally, anyone working with pigs has to have at least one of these certifications to sell pigs into the marketplace or qualify to show pigs at fairs or expositions.

Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) provides a framework for significant, relevant food safety standards and improved animal well-being. Pork producers are proud of our commitment to continuous improvement, and this program supports that. PQA Plus is regularly revised to increase its effectiveness, incorporate new research information and ensure the program’s validity. You can receive training and certification either from scheduled in-person events or on-line. Once you have received your training and passed the tests, you must re-certify every three years to assure you are meeting the newest standards. There is also PQA Plus site assessment, which is designed to evaluate animal care practices on farms and is conducted by a PQA Plus Advisor.

This on-farm assessment includes review of records, facilities, equipment, animal care and well-being practices. Animal care and food safety are of utmost importance in the pork industry and standards are continually rising. At Suidae, we believe in, teach, and are driven to meet our obligation in accordance with the six ethical principles of the We Care® commitment. These principles guide everything we do and ensure we uphold the highest standards and consistently strive towards improvement. Transport Quality Assurance® (TQA®) and Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) are important industry tools used to help pork producers meet the current animal care and food safety standards and be industry leaders in... Our team of certified advisors can provide the educational materials, training, and testing required to become certified as well as help you obtain and maintain current PQA Plus® Site Assessment status for your facility.

Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) is an education and certification program designed to help pig farmers and their employees continually improve production practices. It addresses food safety, animal well-being, environmental stewardship, worker safety, public health and community. Transport Quality Assurance® (TQA®) is a certification program that trains pig transporters, producers and handlers how to handle, move and transport pigs. It includes training on the potential impacts transporting can have on pig well-being and pork quality. Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) is a certification program that provides continuing education to pork producers. TQA helps swine transporters, producers, and handlers understand how to handle, move and transport pigs and the potential impacts those actions have on pig well-being and pork quality.

UMN Extension, in conjunction with Minnesota Pork Board, holds three-hour, in-person training throughout the year. We also have added an online option. To check your PQA and TQA status, call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at 1-800-456-7675. The training is free for attendees, but pre-registration is required. To pre-register, contact [email protected] or 507-345-8814. by the day before the scheduled training.

If you need to get or renew your TQA certification and available workshop dates do not fit in your schedule, or if your farm has a large group of employees needing certification, please contact: By Ryan Samuel, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Swine Specialist // November 25, 2024 The Transport Quality Assurance® (abbreviated as TQA) certification program from the National Pork Board is designed to promote the highest standards of animal welfare and pork quality during transportation. This program focuses on educating and certifying swine transporters, producers, and handlers on best practices for handling, loading, and transporting pigs to minimize stress and ensure their well-being. Through proper training and adherence to TQA guidelines, anyone responsible for developing protocols, handling, or transporting hogs plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the welfare of pigs and enhancing the quality of pork products. Benefits of Certification (Courtesy: National Pork Board)

Improved pig welfare One of the key aspects of the TQA program is its emphasis on understanding the impact of handling and transportation on pigs. Pigs are particularly susceptible to stress during loading, unloading, and transportation. By minimizing stress and injury, pigs are healthier and easier to move and handle. Enhanced pork quality Handling and transport stress can negatively affect meat quality. The TQA program provides training on how to handle pigs humanely and efficiently, ensuring minimal stress during loading, unloading, and transportation. When pigs experience stress during transit, it can lead to undesirable effects on the meat, such as pale, soft, and exudative (abbreviated as PSE) pork or dark, firm, and dry (abbreviated as DFD) pork.

These quality issues can negatively impact the taste and texture of the meat, affecting consumer satisfaction. Training includes the use of proper equipment and techniques to guide pigs without causing harm to the animal or pork quality. Disease prevention The TQA program also focuses on the importance of maintaining clean and safe transport vehicles. Transporters are reminded to wear clean clothes and boots and to sanitize vehicles between loads to prevent the spread of disease and maintain a healthy environment for the pigs. Additionally, proper ventilation and temperature control within the transport vehicle are essential for pig comfort and health during transit.

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