Advanced cattle feeders clinic will go in-depth on current challenges, best practices
2/4/26
VINTON, Iowa – Experienced cattle feeders are invited to take part in an Advanced Cattle Feeders Clinic in northeast Iowa on March 3. The hands-on program is provided by Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and is designed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Iowa feedyards today. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Schwers Brothers Feedyard, located at 31662 Highway 3, New Vienna.
ISU extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said the clinic was developed specifically for seasoned cattle feeders and will focus on advanced management practices related to feed mixing and delivery, bunk management, implant effectiveness, animal health and foot and mobility issues associated with feeding cattle to heavier weights.
“We’ve tried to identify some of the biggest challenges and keys to success for Iowa cattle feeders,” she said. “Then we brought together experts in each of those areas to share practical, research-based strategies participants can apply immediately.”
Program topics will include implant monitoring and best practices, feed mixing and delivery, bunk management and managing challenges associated with feeding cattle to heavier weights. Nathan Pyatt of Elanco Animal Health will demonstrate proper implant placement, cleanliness, pellet integrity evaluation and methods to monitor implant success. Zeb Gray of Diamond V will lead a hands-on total mixed ration audit focused on improving ration consistency from formulation through delivery to the feed bunk.
Also, Dave Rueber of Innovative Ag Services will talk about advanced bunk management and feed intake evaluation, and IBC director Aimee Wertz-Lutz will address mobility and carcass impacts associated with heavier market weights.
Fee is $60 per person and attendance is limited to 40, with registration and payment due Feb. 24. To register and pay, call the ISU Extension Dubuque County office at 563-583-6496. Registration and payment are due by Feb. 24, and the program is limited to 40 participants.
For more information, contact Schwab at 319-721-9624.
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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Denise Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist, 319-472-4739, dschwab@iastate.edu
