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Producer receives Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Award
Iowa An exceptional cattle producer and livestock auction market operator was named the 2010 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance Award winner for his focus on animal care practices. Morris Larson, Spencer Livestock Sales, of Spencer, Iowa, was honored at the Iowa Cattlemen's Association Annual Convention in Ames, Iowa, on Jan. 5. "As a beef producer and livestock market operator, I believe quality beef begins with quality care, which is why I work hard to keep my animals healthy, safe and secure," said Morris Larson. The winner must be a BQA-certified beef producer who is committed to raising cattle in a safe, caring manner. Morris requires all of his employees at Spencer Livestock Sales to be BQA certified, as well. BQA is a national program for beef cattle production that assures the highest standards of animal care and treatment. It was developed with guidance from leading animal health and well-being experts and outlines essential elements for cattle care. More than 90 percent of all U.S. beef is raised under the BQA program. "BQA has become as much of a public perception issue as an animal health and welfare issue in my mind," said Morris. "We do the best we can to make sure the public perception of what we do is positive. Our goal was never to try to win anything, but just to do our best. I've always thought any job worth doing was worth doing well." Morris has hosted an annual BQA certification meeting for the past five years. He is also committed to low-stress cattle handling techniques. For example, electric prod use has been eliminated and replaced with flags as the approved method of moving cattle. Cattle are handled with as little pressure as necessary to get the desired response which keeps them calm and comfortable.
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