Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance Program (SSQA)

The Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance (SSQA) program, developed by the American Sheep Industry Association in conjunction with Colorado State University, aims to ensure maximum consumer confidence in products from the U.S. sheep industry. SSQA utilizes research and education to improve management practices during the production of safe, high-quality sheep products.

The program, which applies quality principles to sheep production, involves education, design, and external verification. Producers are first trained in the classroom on quality concepts, such as specifications, process mapping, and standard operating procedures. Then they develop on-site mission statements, flowcharts, and inspection plans.

Trainers across the United States are available to teach SSQA concepts.

The final phase of the program arranges for a certified reviewer to conduct an on-the-farm evaluation attesting to the execution of the SSQA requirements in day-to-day operations.

External Article

Producing Consumer Products from Sheep: The Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance Program (PDF)