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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE I PROGRAM TO BE HELD A team of veterinarians and the University of California Cooperative Extension livestock advisors will conduct a training and certification program for beef cattle producers April 3, 2001 from 11:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. at the Mapes Ranch (10555 Maze Blvd., Hwy 132 West) in Modesto. This will be the only program offered in the area this year. Many factors can affect the quality of beef from the feedlot to packinghouse to the meat counter. "Producing safe, wholesome beef is the business of everyone who owns or handles beef cattle," said UCCE livestock advisor Franz Rulofson. "That's why the University of California Cooperative Extension in collaboration with the California Cattlemen's Association developed this beef quality assurance program." Rulofson is encouraging all producers in the region - full or part-time, as well as 4-H and FFA youth - to attend the meeting at Mapes Ranch. Attendees will learn how to reduce disease losses with a vaccine program, decrease medicine costs through improved herd health, administer drugs and antibiotics, and learn FDA guidelines for animal identification. The seminar will feature the new and improved beef quality assurance program. It will also include a special presentation by Fort Dodge Animal Health regarding the affects of vaccinations and potential carcass damage. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. The cost is $10 per ranch or family. College students, FFA, and 4-H members will receive a $5 discount. A tri-tip lunch sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health will be served at 11:30 a.m. To register in advance, send a check made payable to San Joaquin/Stanislaus Cattlemen's Association to: Franz Rulofson, UC Cooperative Extension, 2 S. Green St., Sonora, CA 95370 by March 27, 2001. For more information, call 209-533-5695 University of California and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating
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