MASON CITY – Iowa cattle producers can get updated training on low-stress cattle handling from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 22 at the North Iowa Area Community College Farm Lab in Mason City.

The event is sponsored by Iowa Cattlemen’s Association through its Beef Business Connections program.

Producers who attend the training and demonstration sessions can become Beef Quality Assurance-certified.

BQA is a national program that provides guidelines for humane and safe beef cattle production.

Low-stress cattle handling involves creating a positive interaction every time between the farmers and their cattle, said Doug Bear, director of industry relations for the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

To register, call the ICA office at (515) 296-2266 and provide your name, names of others who will be attending the event. A meal and certification are free, but registration helps planning and seating.

Kip Lukasiewicz, DVM, will lead the training session. He is president of Sandhills Cattle Consultants, and is a consultant with Production Animal Consultation.