Online Quality Assurance Trainings for Beef, Sheep, and Pork Are Available!
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Online Quality Assurance Trainings for Beef, Sheep, and Pork Are Available!
While in-person certification classes may be postponed for the time being, opportunities to take online certification trainings in sheep, beef, and pork quality assurance are available! The trainings can be accessed by the links, below:
Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance: https://sheepusa.org/researcheducation-onlineeducation-ssqa
Beef Quality Assurance: https://www.bqa.org/bqa-certification/online-bqa-certification
Pork Quality Assurance: Please contact Ashley McFarland (am2876@cornell.edu) directly so that she can set up an online certification for you or your farm.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our livestock specialist, Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu or at (716) 640-0844).
Upcoming Events
Chainsaw Safety & Forestry BMP's
June 13, 2025
Belmont, NY
Perfect for beginners or experienced users needing a refresher. We'll cover safety features and basic maintenance of the modern saw and learn kickback prevention techniques. Participants will be able to try on various PPE and learn ergonomic practices. Interested participants will learn to safely start up, throttle up, and turn off a saw. You may bring our own saw if you choose, there will be no cutting in this class.
FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
June 14, 2025 : FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a morning of classroom learning, hands-on FAMACHA and 5 Point Check practice, and a pasture walk at Alfred State College's teaching farm to learn about putting IPM to work on pasture using evasive grazing techniques. An exam will be provided, and students passing the exam will receive program certification, including a FAMACHA Card.
Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College
June 17, 2025 : Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
This mobile workshop will teach you what you need to know to perform fecal egg counts and understand the results of fecal egg count reduction tests at home. While focused on testing sheep and goats, this event is applicable to all ruminants and camelids.