Broken Bow, NE – Nearly 150 4-H and FFA members gathered at the 12th annual Custer County Youth Animal Quality Assurance Training on Tuesday, June 10. 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 food safety and consumer preferences, the importance of record keeping and community service. Volunteers taught attendees the differences in meat by species, quality grade guidelines and how to feed livestock to meet consumer preferences. Attendees learned the value of accurate record keeping through interactive stations. Brandi Cunningham, a member of the Spartan Foundation, visited with the 4-H and FFA youth about the importance of giving back and the need for the food pantry in Custer County. As an act of community service, participants packaged food and household items to donate to the Ansley Weekend Backpack Program and the Community Food Pantry.
“Adams Land & Cattle has always been a huge supporter of our local food pantries. Being able to speak to the youth of Custer County and to get them involved in packaging items for the food pantry makes a huge difference for organizations like ours,” said Cunningham. “We appreciate them involving our organization in this event,” she continued.
“At Adams, we are committed to the wellbeing 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.
