Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) is an education and certification program aimed at pig producers that addresses safety and management practices for livestock, workers and the environment. Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) is a certification program that trains individuals on how to handle, move and transport pigs, emphasizing the impact of these practices on animal well-being and pork quality. 

North Dakota’s state PQA trainer and TQA advisor is Taw Scaff, North Dakota State University Extension swine specialist.

Scaff is offering a series of PQA and TQA trainings in select locations across North Dakota this summer to allow participants the opportunity to renew their PQA and TQA certification.

“PQA Version 6, the latest renewal certification, will kick off in June 2025,” says Scaff. “Advisors will need recertification in Version 6 by August 31 to keep their PQA advisor status, regardless of Version 5 certification date.”

To see a list of training locations and register, visit ndsu.ag/pqatrainings.

Once registered, information from the National Pork Board and the North Dakota trainer regarding recertification instructions and directions will be emailed to producers.

Be sure to check and update your information on the Pork Checkoff website to receive announcements from the National Pork Board and the North Dakota trainer, advises Scaff.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – May 29, 2025

Source: Taw Scaff, 701-231-4292, taw.scaff@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu