YOUTH FOR THE QUALITY CARE OF ANIMALS (YQCA): IMPACTFUL FEDERAL AND STATE REPORTING
Chichester, L. M.1; Kuber, Paul2; Share, Elizabeth3; O'Rourke, Bernadette4; Peebles, Dinah51EXTENSION EDUCATOR, University Of Nevada, Reno Extension, Gardnerville, NV, 89410
2Regional Extension Specialist, NE Livestock, Washington State University, Davenport, WA, 99122
3Extension Specialist, Livestock/Food Animal Programs, Ohio State University, Department of Animal Sciences, Columbus, OH, 43210
4Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, University of Wisconsin - Madison Animal Sciences, Madison, WI, 53706
5Director-National Certification Programs, National Pork Board, Des Moines, IA, 50325
Abstract:
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) was developed as a comprehensive curriculum,
focusing on food safety, animal well-being, and life-skill development. This national effort was
initiated and championed (2013) by producer groups, university educators, and livestock show
leaders. In addition to the need for a comprehensive program for youth food animal producers, it
was paramount to have a science based peer reviewed curricula. The curricula could then mirror
across counties and states in a unified national programming effort and could be implemented and used with little input. It is YQCA’s mission to offer a learning environment, supporting a learner engaged experience, while providing tools (such as data) to our partners to better the program and to validate its use. Learn how combining science (food safety and animal well-being) with lifeskill development makes YQCA a well-rounded youth based curriculum piece offering a data set to support thoughtful impact reporting.