Area Youth Earn SMQA Certification

Sixteen youth from three northeast Missouri counties earned Show Me Quality Assurance (SMQA) certification during a training held April 28, 2026, in Lewis County. The SMQA program prepares youth livestock exhibitors to demonstrate ethical decision-making, animal care, food safety, and responsible livestock management practices.
The evening began with all participants learning about the Six Pillars of Character, presented by Deann Turner, which set the foundation for integrity, responsibility, and trust in livestock production. Youth were then divided into three groups and rotated through a series of educational stations led by local agricultural professionals.
Youth rotated through interactive, hands-on learning stations that emphasized real world livestock management and food safety decision making. Through demonstrations and activities, participants explored how biosecurity practices help prevent disease spread with Sara Hoffman. Jameson Scoggin guided youth through correctly reading and following livestock feed labels and led an activity where participants created their own sample “feed” mixes to take home, reinforcing how different ingredients impact livestock nutrition. Danielle Garner led a science-based activity demonstrating the principles of responsible antibiotic use. Cindy McCutchan taught the importance of accurate record keeping and its role in animal health and consumer trust. The significance of unique animal identification was demonstrated by Courtney Kirchner. Proper injection techniques, led by Lea Rash and Sorrel Frederick, gave youth the opportunity to apply correct methods while reinforcing animal welfare, traceability, and safe livestock production practices.
“This program helps youth understand their responsibility in producing a safe, high-quality food product,” said MU Extension Livestock Specialist Brenda Schreck. “It also builds confidence through hands-on learning and community engagement.”
Show Me Quality Assurance certification is required for Missouri youth exhibiting livestock at state-sponsored events and helps ensure consumers can trust how their food is raised. Programs such as this also help youth develop lifelong skills that support responsible livestock ownership and leadership within their communities.
For more information about 4-H programs in Lewis County, contact the University of Missouri Extension Office at (573) 767-5273 or visit extension.missouri.edu/counties/lewis