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“ Quality Assurance” has become a buzz word in the livestock industry. Quality assurance refers to the implementation of quality checks and procedures to correct problem areas within the food production chain. These programs are a result of consumers wanting a safe, secure, low-cost food supply. To help producers implement this system, the following are obtained and conducted:

• Standard operating procedures (SOP’s) are sets of guidelines that are desired to ensure safe and proper livestock production practices that results in a quality food product.

• Good production practices (GPP’s) are met. These GPP’s are desired to ensure long-term success and costumer satisfaction.

• The incorporation of both SOP’s and GPP’s refers to Total Quality Management (TQM).

To complete the tutorial, you must complete each of the following lessons. Visit with your extension agent or ag teacher to determine what they require from you. Minimium requirements are the completion of an annual checklist and successful completion of the quiz at the end. To pass the quiz, you must successfully answer 13 of the 19 questions (about 70%). If you do not pass the quiz at the required level, you must attend a MQA program in your area.

Your extension agent or ag teacher may have addtional requirements - so you must visit with them first!

Online Tutorial Table of Contents (click on a lesson):

What is HACCP?

GPP #1 - Proper animal identification

GPP #2 - Maintain medication and treatment records

GPP #3 - Properly store, label, and account for all chemical products, medicated feeds, and administration tools

GPP #4 - Obtain and use veterinary prescription chemicals through a licensed veterinarian

GPP #5 - Educate all family members about TQM

GPP #6 - Use chemical residue tests where appropriate

GPP #7 - Establish an efficient and effective herd health management plan

GPP #8 - Provide proper animal care

GPP #9 - Follow appropriate on-farm feed and commercial feed processor procedures

GPP #10 - Complete a TQM checklist annually for your project