Northeast Iowa location to host morning livestream of 2026 Silage for Beef Conference

5/22/26

AMES, Iowa – University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Iowa State University and Lallemand Animal Nutrition will host the biennial Silage for Beef Conference on June 18 with in-person and livestreaming attendance options. The on-site location is the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENRECC) near Mead, Nebraska, and those wanting to do the livestream will receive information following registration. The full agenda and registration information is available on the conference website here https://beef.unl.edu/silage-beef-cattle-conference/

The 2026 conference will provide actionable insights to help producers navigate today’s economic pressures while maximizing silage quality and cattle performance. Building on the strong foundation of previous conferences, this year’s program continues the focus on translating cutting-edge research into practical strategies that protect investments and strengthen profitability.

ISU extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said the event is tailored for producers, feedyard managers, nutritionists, and allied industry professionals, and emphasizes silage safety, labor considerations, feed quality, and maximizing energy value of cattle rations.

In Iowa, the morning session will be offered for local viewing at the Delaware County Extension office in Manchester.

The morning agenda will address current industry challenges, including:

• Busting Three Myths Around Developing an Effective Agriculture Safety Program -- Mike Keenan, Keenan Safety Consulting
• Silage Safety: Planning and Pile Design -- Renato Schmidt, PhD, Technical Services, Lallemand Animal Nutrition
• Mycotoxins and Lab Analysis -- Katie Raver, MS, Animal Nutrition Technical Services Director at Rock River Laboratory, Inc.

“We are glad to provide these national speakers and important information to our northeast Iowa beef producers,” Schwab said. “Silage is a big component of the beef industry in our area, and I hope producers will take advantage of the opportunity to learn from these experts without the added time and expense of traveling across the state.”

To register for the Iowa site contact the Delaware County Extension office at 563-927-4201.

The afternoon agenda offered at the live event includes:

• Ensiling Cover Crops and How that Fits Many Systems -- Mary Drewnoski, PhD, Professor & Beef Systems Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• What is the Energy Value of Corn Silage Today -- Galen Erickson, PhD, Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science & Beef Feedlot Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• High-moisture Corn Particle Size Effects on Energy Values -- Kassidy Buse, PhD, Technical Services, Lallemand Animal Nutrition

The Silage for Beef Conference remains one of the few events dedicated specifically to the role of silage in beef production systems. Attendees will leave with clear, practical steps they can implement immediately to improve forage quality, cattle performance and operational efficiency.

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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, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist, 319-472-4739, dschwab@iastate.edu