January 16, 2018
Youth PQA Plus Program Extended
It was previously communicated that the National Pork Board planned to fully transition to Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) and discontinue the Youth PQA Plus program at the end of 2017. However, the program has been extended until June 1, 2018. The Youth PQA Plus program will continue to function normally until this time, and the National Pork Board will honor Youth PQA Plus certification numbers until they expire. Current advisors will also be able to continue using their login credentials to verify a young person’s certification status.
Current Youth PQA Advisors should have received a package with a pig flash drive within the last few weeks. Advisors are encouraged to take the time to review the contents of the flash drive. It includes a formal letter about the Youth PQA Plus program extension, as well as informational materials on the transition to YQCA. Additionally, if an advisor's certification expired at the end of 2017, it has been extended until June 1, 2018, and will expire with the retirement of the Youth PQA Plus program.
The YQCA program is available for youth ages 8-21. This program is a national, multi-species youth quality assurance program that focuses on food safety, animal well-being, and life skill development with an age appropriate educational approach. Young people may complete the training online for $12.00/person, or attend a face-to-face training for $3.00/person. More information may be found at www.yqca.org. Extension Agents who would like to become a YQCA instructor may contact Lexie at adhayes@ksu.edu or (785)532-1264 for details.
Quality Assurance requirements for Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and Kansas Junior Livestock Show exhibitors have not been finalized. This information will be released by March 1, 2018. Extension agents and families will be notified when the 2018 state youth livestock nomination materials and updates are released.