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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	Emerging technologies are on the agenda for a November 13 field day near Red Oak, and all are invited. Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University and South Dakota State University Beef Extension have partnered to showcase, demonstrate, and discuss a wide variety of new tools and techniques in beef production. ISU beef specialist Erika Woolfolk said a unique feature is the SDSU technology trailer packed with a variety of livestock technologies. The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is excited to announce the third annual Genetic Symposium to be held Nov. 19-20 in Ames, at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. This year's symposium, planned by Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension cow calf specialist Randie Culbertson, will focus on the practical implementation of genetic tools and technologies for commercial beef production. Do you know what to expect from corn silage infected with southern rust? The ISU extension and outreach dairy team is focusing on that topic in their next webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Held from noon to 1 p.m. Central Time, the program will be presented by A.T. Adesogan from University of Florida. His research looked at determining the effect of the level of southern rust infestation of a corn hybrid on silage fermentation, nutritive value and bunk life, and to determine how inoculant application affects these measures of forage quality. Please register for this free webinar at least one hour before it begins. 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. 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. News Archives

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News & Releases

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

Published by Ag Decision Maker
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Emerging technologies are on the agenda for a November 13 field day near Red Oak, and all are invited. Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University and South Dakota State University Beef Extension have partnered to showcase, demonstrate, and discuss a wide variety of new tools and techniques in beef production. ISU beef specialist Erika Woolfolk said a unique feature is the SDSU technology trailer packed with a variety of livestock technologies.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is excited to announce the third annual Genetic Symposium to be held Nov. 19-20 in Ames, at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. This year's symposium, planned by Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension cow calf specialist Randie Culbertson, will focus on the practical implementation of genetic tools and technologies for commercial beef production.

Do you know what to expect from corn silage infected with southern rust? The ISU extension and outreach dairy team is focusing on that topic in their next webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Held from noon to 1 p.m. Central Time, the program will be presented by A.T. Adesogan from University of Florida. His research looked at determining the effect of the level of southern rust infestation of a corn hybrid on silage fermentation, nutritive value and bunk life, and to determine how inoculant application affects these measures of forage quality. Please register for this free webinar at least one hour before it begins.

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.

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.

News Archives

Columns

Director Column

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

October 2025

I had the opportunity recently to participate in a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training hosted by field specialist Denise Schwab and held at the Tama Livestock Auction Facility. It reminded me that while we certify periodically, it is important to always keep BQA practices at the forefront of our minds because of their positive impacts on cattle, the customers’ eating experience, and the industry’s bottom line.

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.

October 2025

To cull or not to cull – that is the question

Following years of persistent drought, we are currently in the phase of the cattle cycle when our cow numbers are down and calf prices are high. High cull cow prices continue to signal the opportunity for increased culling of females from the herd. At the end of the day, there are pros and cons to culling that should be considered when deciding who to keep and who to send to town.

Read the rest of this column.