YQCA
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national, multi-species youth livestock quality assurance program that was launched in 2017. Youth ages 8 - 18 may participate in the program online or through a face-to-face class with a certified instructor. Any 4-H’er who is seven years old (4-H age) must attend an in-person training. This is a fee-based program, which is $12/child for the online course or $3 for a face-to-face session.
YQCA is required to show livestock at the Douglas County Fair, Kansas State Fair, and Kansas Junior Livestock Show.
YQCA is designed as an educational tool and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being and character development for youth ages 7 – 18. As a result of this program, we hope youth leave with a better understanding of their livestock project and how to produce a healthy and safe food product.
A young person’s YQCA certification is valid for one year unless utilizing a test out option.
YQCA Certification Deadline is June 14, 2024
2024 in-person training dates:
- Below is a schedule of in-person trainings offered in Douglas and Johnson County. Registration is requried. To register for one of the listed classes, click the "Instructer-led Training Certification Insturctions" link below. New this year, a pre and post test is requried for in person trainings.
- March 2 - 10:00 a.m., Douglas County Extension Office
- April 17 - 2:00 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds, Dreher Family 4-H Building
- May 22 - 6:00 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds, Dreher Family 4-H Building
Species that require YQCA:
Beef (including bucket calf), Swine, Sheep, Meat and Dairy Goats, Dairy Cattle, rabbits and Poultry.
In-Person Training - 2024 (Only have to attend 1 session to be certified)
*Any 4-H’er who is seven years old (4-H age) must attend an in-person training
Instructor-led Training Certification Instructions
Online Training
Youth 8-18 can follow the insturctions below to get enrolled.
Web-based Certification Instructions
Test Out Option
The test out option is available for youth age 12, 15 and 19.
Purchasing a test out certification
Additional Information about YQCA
Certificate Printing Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
- The dates for the in-person training don't work for my schedule, and I have to attend an in-person training. What do I do?
- Contact Nancy Noyes, 4-H Program Assistant, at nnoyes@ksu.edu or 785-843-7058 to discuss options if you are not able to attend an in-person training, but need to attend one.
- Do I need to register before the in-person training?
- Yes! You must register and pay online before attending an instructor-led class.
- What does it cost to get certified?
- $3 if you attend an in-person training. $12 if you decide to do your training online.
- Is it mandatory for those required species?
- Yes. All exhibitors showing animals from the list above must complete the training to be eligible to show at the Douglas County Fair
