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Published by Iowa Beef Center Current and archived issues Subscribe to IBC Growing Beef Newsletter Published by Ag Decision Maker Subscribe	This summer has been both hot and wet, with consistent rainfall across much of the state. These conditions have led to some unusual challenges in corn fields, including wrapped tassels and southern rust. ISU extension agronomist Shelby Gruss said both have raised questions about their potential impacts on corn silage. Are you thinking about expanding your beef herd? An educational program provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach set for August 28 in Hedrick will offer a variety of topics pertinent to that deliberation. Keokuk County extension program coordinator Emily Belvel said the "Responsible expansion of Iowa’s cow" event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a meal. If you’re considering increasing the size of your beef herd, a series of three southern Iowa county-based programs could offer helpful information and resources. The educational program “Responsible expansion of Iowa’s cow herd” is provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and will offer a variety of topics pertinent to that deliberation. Northwest Iowa cattle transporters are invited to certify or renew their certification at a Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) workshop in August. Two identical workshops will be offered - Aug. 21 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Le Mars and Aug. 27 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Sac City. Both workshops will run from 1 to 3 p.m. When Aimee Wertz-Lutz was working as a post-doctoral research associate in ruminant nutrition and nutritional physiology at Iowa State University, she likely didn’t see ISU as part of her professional career. Yet, on July 1 of this year, she returned to ISU as Iowa Beef Center director and extension feedlot specialist, and she's truly excited to be back. Pastures in northeast Iowa can be a challenge for producers, especially those who want to establish a beneficial grazing program. However, one farm in Clayton County is making it work, according to Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab. Matt and Cassie Winters will host a pasture walk to share their progress with rotational grazing. Pasture management decisions made today can impact grazing success not just this season, but well into the future. Warren County and surrounding area producers are invited to a late afternoon pasture walk Aug. 26 near New Virginia. The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is hosting two field days in August that will highlight innovative strategies for pasture renovation. The events are part of a three-year research project evaluating the benefits of interseeding sudangrass into abused calving paddocks. The Iowa State University Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2025 Survey has been published, and the results make an interesting read for any land owner, tenant, or farm manager. For the first time in six years, row crop rental rates decreased by almost 3%; however, rental rates on pasture and forage acres across the state remain steady to 3% higher for the ninth straight year. News Archives

Newsletters

News & Releases

Published by Iowa Beef Center
Current and archived issues
Subscribe to IBC Growing Beef Newsletter

Published by Ag Decision Maker
Subscribe

This summer has been both hot and wet, with consistent rainfall across much of the state. These conditions have led to some unusual challenges in corn fields, including wrapped tassels and southern rust. ISU extension agronomist Shelby Gruss said both have raised questions about their potential impacts on corn silage.

Are you thinking about expanding your beef herd? An educational program provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach set for August 28 in Hedrick will offer a variety of topics pertinent to that deliberation. Keokuk County extension program coordinator Emily Belvel said the "Responsible expansion of Iowa’s cow" event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a meal.

If you’re considering increasing the size of your beef herd, a series of three southern Iowa county-based programs could offer helpful information and resources. The educational program “Responsible expansion of Iowa’s cow herd” is provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and will offer a variety of topics pertinent to that deliberation.

Northwest Iowa cattle transporters are invited to certify or renew their certification at a Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) workshop in August. Two identical workshops will be offered - Aug. 21 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Le Mars and Aug. 27 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Sac City. Both workshops will run from 1 to 3 p.m.

When Aimee Wertz-Lutz was working as a post-doctoral research associate in ruminant nutrition and nutritional physiology at Iowa State University, she likely didn’t see ISU as part of her professional career. Yet, on July 1 of this year, she returned to ISU as Iowa Beef Center director and extension feedlot specialist, and she's truly excited to be back.

Pastures in northeast Iowa can be a challenge for producers, especially those who want to establish a beneficial grazing program. However, one farm in Clayton County is making it work, according to Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab. Matt and Cassie Winters will host a pasture walk to share their progress with rotational grazing.

Pasture management decisions made today can impact grazing success not just this season, but well into the future. Warren County and surrounding area producers are invited to a late afternoon pasture walk Aug. 26 near New Virginia.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is hosting two field days in August that will highlight innovative strategies for pasture renovation. The events are part of a three-year research project evaluating the benefits of interseeding sudangrass into abused calving paddocks.

The Iowa State University Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2025 Survey has been published, and the results make an interesting read for any land owner, tenant, or farm manager. For the first time in six years, row crop rental rates decreased by almost 3%; however, rental rates on pasture and forage acres across the state remain steady to 3% higher for the ninth straight year.

News Archives

Columns

Director Column

Aimee Wertz-Lutz, IBC director, writes this monthly column featured in Iowa Cattleman Magazine.

September 2025

Weaning and feeder cattle placement is fast approaching. Weaned calf prices are expected to be high this fall and the financial risk of underperforming calves or loss of a calf is more costly than in the years past. Sitting through BQA discussions and ISU Feedlot Short Course this summer reminded me of the importance to continuously brush-up on production facts and skills. Below are 11 things that came to my mind and are within a feeder’s control to optimize performance and minimize animal loss as the feedlot is filled this fall.

Read the rest of this column.

Iowa Cow-Calf Commentary

Iowa Beef Center and extension cow-calf specialist Randie Culbertson writes the "Iowa Cow-Calf Commentary" featured in the Iowa Cattleman Magazine.

September 2025

Weaning is a stressful event for cattle and can negatively impact calf health and performance after the event, and with the current feeder calf prices, every pound matters.Stress can depress the calf's immune system, often leading to a greater risk of sickness and death. Therefore, focusing on management strategies to reduce the stress associated with weaning can improve health and performance. These strategies help divide the weaning process into two stages: physical separation of the calf from the dam as well as separation from milk as a nutritional source. Three common methods of weaning are complete separation, fence line, and anti-suckling devices such as a nose flap. Whatever the method of choice is for weaning, there are pros and cons.

Read the rest of this column.