“Drought – a Game Changer for Beef Operations” is the title of meetings to be held Nov. 6 – Dec. 6 across Iowa. The meetings will look at strategies those in the beef industry may consider as they move forward.

“These fall meetings will focus on managing feed costs and alternative feeds for fall and winter feeding for the cow herd or feedlot use,” said Russ Euken, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.  “Developing feeding programs that use available feeds and keep feed costs in check is the goal.”

Meeting topics were determined by the needs of producers dealing with drought issues. Topics include the following:

  • With corn costs relatively high, producers are searching for ways to reduce corn use but still maintain performance.
  • Chemically treating lower quality forages and supplementing the forage or drought stressed corn silage will be a part of the discussion.
  • A situation update on beef outlook, current beef supply and demand, and feed price outlook will  be provided by Lee Schulz, extension livestock economist, via a recorded presentation.
  • A short update on precipitation outlook will be provided by Elwynn Taylor, extension climatologist, via a recorded presentation.
  • The meetings also will give an introduction to planning for next year and beyond for beef producers and highlight factors producers should be considering.

Winter meetings covering additional topics are being considered. Topics for these meetings will be determined as the weather and economic situation develop.

To find a November or December meeting location, contact any county extension office, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, or go to www.iowabeefcenter.org to find a listing of all dates and locations. There will be a $10 per person fee payable at the door to cover refreshments and other miscellaneous cost. This could vary at individual sites. end mark

Meeting dates and locations
Nov. 6, Ames. Iowa Cattlemen’s Headquarters – 1 :30 p.m.
Nov. 13, Maquoketa. Hurtsville Interpretative Center – 1 p.m.
Nov. 13, Carroll. Carroll County Extension office –6:30 p.m.
Nov. 13, Garner. Hancock County Extension office – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 13, Chariton. ISU McNay Research Farm – 1 p.m.
Nov. 14, Brandon. Community Center – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 14, Osage. Mitchell County Extension office – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 14, Estherville. Northstar Bank, 220 Central Ave. – 1:30-4 p.m.
Nov. 14, Knoxville. Marion County Extension office – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 15, Badger. Community Building – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 15, Postville. Vet Clinic –  6:30 p.m.
Nov. 15, LeMars. Plymouth County Extension office,  251 12 St. SE – 9:30 a.m.
Nov. 19, Conrad. American Legion – 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 19, Dumont. Library – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 19, Castana. ISU Research and Demonstration Farm, 36515 Hwy E-34 – 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 20, Storm Lake. Buena Vista County Extension office, 824 Flindt Dr. –  9:30 a.m.
Nov. 20, Villisca. Villisca Community Building, 207 South 3rd Ave. – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 27, Houghton. Pilot Grove Savings Bank  – 7 p.m.
Nov. 27, Atlantic. Cass County Extension office – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 29, Moravia. Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene – 7 p.m.
Dec. 3, Winterset. Madison County Extension office – 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 4, Washington. Washington County Extension office – 7p.m.
Dec. 6, Mt. Ayr. Ringold County Extension office – 6:30 p.m

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-- Iowa State University beef newsletter