April 15, 2020
YQCA Requirement for the State Shows
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national, multi-species youth livestock quality assurance program available for youth ages 8-21. This annual educational and certification program focuses on food safety, animal well-being, and life skill development for youth producing and/or showing livestock. The curriculum grows with a child, so youth will expand their knowledge by covering new topics every year. Youth may participate in a 60-minute instructor-led training for $3/child, or complete the online certification course for $12/child. Families need to use their 4HOnline credentials on the YQCA website to register for training. FFA Members may create an independent account. The YQCA requirement will continue for all Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and KJLS exhibitors for the 2020 shows. Visit the KSU youth livestock program website or local extension office for more details on the YQCA program.
Given the COVID-19 situation, face-to-face trainings have to be cancelled or postponed until after July 4, 2020. Therefore, youth will need to complete the online course in order to submit their certificate with their state livestock nominations. In response to instructor-led classes being cancelled across the country, YQCA is offering an opportunity for youth to complete the online course for $9/child, which is a $3 discount, during the month of April only. Families must have a “Flash Sale” coupon to take advantage of the reduced rate. Anyone who logs in and pays with a credit card to take the course will be charged the original $12 fee. Families interested in completing the online course at the reduced rate should contact their local extension office for details on obtaining “Flash Sale” coupons.
There is now an option for 7-year-olds to become YQCA certified. However, they must participate in a junior-only instructor-led class with a parent or guardian. So, these members will need to wait until an instructor-led class can be hosted to obtain certification. They may not participate in an online course. This year will be a transition year for 7-year-olds exhibiting at KJLS, thus it will not be required for that age group until 2021.