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.

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