December 2018

New leadership and change!

Iowa State University has new leadership in key positions that are important to the beef industry. On October 1, Dr. Dan Grooms became the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Grooms is a Veterinary Microbiologist and an expert in infectious diseases of cattle. He comes to ISU from Michigan State University. On. Oct. 25, Dr. Daniel Robison was named the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He will begin in his new role by March 31, 2019. Dr. Robison is a forester and forest entomologist and was most recently the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design at West Virginia University. Both bring enthusiasm and passion to their new positions and we look forward to their leadership. We welcome both of them to their positions of leadership and look forward to working with them to bring research based information from Iowa State University to the beef industry.

Our team continues to work hard to bring Beef Quality Assurance opportunities to locations across Iowa in December. Check the Iowa Beef Industry Council website often for dates and locations. If you’d rather, you can take the training online at www.bqa.org.

In January we’re involved with several major beef events. The Northwest Iowa Feedlot Forum is Jan. 15 in Sioux Center, the Three State Beef Conference will held on Jan. 15 in Greenfield (as well as Jan. 16 in Savannah, MO and Jan. 17 in Syracuse, NE), the Western Iowa Feedlot Forum is set for Jan. 16 in Harlan, the Driftless Region Beef Conference will be in Dubuque Jan. 24-25, and the Cornbelt Cow Calf Conference is in Ottumwa on Jan. 26. Burt Tiechert, former manager of the Deseret Ranches and regular contributor to Beef Magazine will be one of the featured speakers at both the Dubuque and Ottumwa events. Look for more information in our monthly newsletter and on our website.

The Iowa Beef Center team is putting the finishing touches on the Beef Cow Systems Manual. This publication is the product of a three-year project that evaluated factors that contributed to the success of various beef cow production systems, ranging from year-round confinement to year-round grazing. Thanks to the producers who participated in this project.

2018 has been a year of contrasts. We experienced flooding in some regions, drought in others and then flooding in the drought areas. This has brought feed quality (and quantity) issues, questions and concerns to many producers. Every situation is unique and there is a wide range in feed nutrient values. This year especially we encourage producers to test their feeds and forages, and double-check the adequacy of your rations with your nutritionist or regional extension beef specialist.

Finally, on behalf of the staff of the Iowa Beef Center, I wish you a happy and joyous holiday season. We hope that you’re able to spend some quality time with family, and to take time to do some thoughtful planning. As always, we appreciate the support of our partners and sponsors. We could not have the impact that we have without your help. I am sure that 2019 will be full of as many challenges, opportunities and surprises as this past year. However, I know we can all agree that the future is bright for the beef industry in Iowa.

The IBC at Iowa State University serves as the university’s extension program to cattle producers. Our center comprises a team of faculty and staff from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. We work together to develop and deliver the latest in research-based information to improve the profitability and vitality of Iowa’s beef industry. If you’d like to be notified of updates on progress of research projects or programs that might be coming to your area, please subscribe to our "Growing Beef" newsletter by following the link on our website, www.iowabeefcenter.org. If you have a question, use our "Ask our Experts" link. Also, feel free to call us at 515-294-BEEF or email us at beefcenter@iastate.edu. You can follow @iowabeefcenter on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Be watching for our newest venture- the Iowa Beef Center Podcast!

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