Pasture and Grazing Arrangements for Beef Cattle. Vaccines. Calving Management online manual.

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Mission: The Iowa Beef Center mission is to enhance the vitality, profitability and growth of the Iowa beef industry through timely and relevant producer education, applied research and improved access to information.
News from Iowa Beef Center
Feedlot cattle Eeting at bunk with short course attendees in the background.

Good news for those looking for technical and practical information for their feedlot operation - the popular Feedlot Short Course is back. Hosted by the Iowa Beef Center and set for July 29-31, this three-day conference was created with today’s beef producer in mind. Event organizer Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said the course design and access to industry speakers provide great value to attendees.

Attendees at earlier pasture event. Are you wondering how cover crops might fit into your cattle operation? Or whether cover crops can help with conservation efforts? Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said the Jackson County office of ISU Extension and Outreach is planning a June 19 event to provide information on those questions and more.
Cutting hay in pasture. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College, is hosting an equipment demonstration field day June 23, focusing on hay equipment. Field agronomist Josh Michel said the program is a unique way for ISU Extension and Outreach to showcase equipment options for hay producers in the area.
Cattle in outdoor pen.

The 2025 Update for Veterinarians program will take place on June 26 at the McNay Research Farm near Chariton. The annual Iowa State Extension program offers timely information and education for large and mixed animal veterinarians with a focus on beef cattle production, according to organizer Iowa State extension beef specialist Chris Clark.
Red whiteface cattle grazing in pasture.

Pasture is a longtime and significant part of Iowa agriculture and is a critical component of the state's agricultural landscape. Pasture walks provide a hands-on learning experience where livestock producers can assess pasture health, exchange ideas, and discover innovative practices that enhance productivity and animal well-being. Northwest Iowa cow-calf and stocker operators are invited to a pasture walk on July 10 near Hospers.

Cow at mineral feeder in pasture. When it comes to choosing the right mineral package for your cows, one size does NOT fit all. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said the decision begins with two factors: the stage of production and the current diet. With much of the Iowa cow herd now being turned out on pasture, be sure to compare components formulated for early spring, breeding season, or late summer as you consider overall packages.
Example of pinkeye in a calf. Arguably the most common health nuisance on pasture, pinkeye, doesn't have an easy vaccine solution with consistent efficacy. In part, this is because pinkeye is complicated, involving multiple bacteria strains and risk factors. The solution? Prevention, prevention, and early intervention.
Dealing with stress: Serious financial and other stresses continue to impact and affect those in our agricultural community. There are some resources to help deal with a variety of stress concerns and grief. The Iowa Concern Hotline is always available at 800-447-1985, iowaconcern@iastate.edu and at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/.
Beef Quality Assurance program graphic. Looking for a BQA workshop? Check this listing on this page of the Iowa Beef Industry Council website for a location near you. This page also has links to our IBC personnel, online BQA training, information on BQA transportation trainings and more.
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