Over 150 4-H and FFA members gathered at the 13th annual Custer County Youth Animal Quality Assurance Training on Monday, June 1. The training was held by Adams Land & Cattle as well as the Nebraska Extension in Custer County. Thanks to additional sponsors, Merck Animal Health and Boehringer Ingelheim, the event was a huge success.

“All youth animal exhibitors are required to complete the Animal Quality Assurance Training each year prior to the Custer County Fair. This training gives youth the skills necessary to raise livestock in a way that ultimately produces food of the highest possible quality for consumers,” said Extension Educator, Troy Walz.

Topics of this year’s event included daily observations and animal welfare, biosecurity, and food safety. The night started with a presentation on “Low Stress People Handling” given by Ashley Nicholls, founder of REACH Agriculture Strategies. The remainder of the event was led by volunteers, who guided attendees through multiple interactive stations. Attendees were reminded of the importance of thorough, daily checks of their livestock animals to ensure health and well-being. They were also taught the importance of biosecurity and wearing proper personal protective equipment when working around livestock. Additionally, attendees learned the importance of safe dosages and injection routes for livestock vaccinations and medications as they relate to food safety.

“At Adams, we are committed to the well-being of our animals while providing a safe, quality product.

We love sharing that passion with local youth. In partnering with Extension and sharing our collective knowledge, we hope to reinforce with 4-H and FFA members the importance of how their animals are raised. Custer County should be proud of these youth and their animals that are taken to fair,” said Amy Staples, Director of Regulatory and Compliance & Research and Development for Adams.

Recognized as the 2024 National Beef Quality Assurance Feedlot of the Year, Adams Land & Cattle strives to put the best management practices in place across every facet of the operation. Adams is committed to utilizing the best practices in the areas of people and community, animal health and well-being, food safety, efficiency and innovation, and natural resources.