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.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting a haying equipment demonstration field day at the McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm in Chariton. Originally set for earlier this month, the July 16 event maintains the original schedule, demonstrations and information opportunities.

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.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, JULY 16. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting a haying equipment demonstration field day on July 16 at the McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm in Chariton. This event will feature several sessions, each showcasing different types of haying equipment, with demonstrations from industry representatives from south central Iowa. ISU extension beef specialist Chris Clark said there also will be an equipment trade show area where attendees can inspect the machinery and meet with industry representatives.

If you’re thinking about attending this year’s Feedlot Short Course, you’ll want to act soon. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said a few spots remain in the July 29-31 event. With a registration limit of 30, all attendees are assured of personal interactions and hands-on opportunities with some familiar and new activities.

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.

Southwest Iowa area producers are invited to an evening pasture walk with Jake and Shane Smith on July 1 at the Fremont County Fairgrounds in Sidney. Experts from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will cover a number of topics during the program.

Pasture is a longtime and significant part of Iowa agriculture and is a critical component of the state's agricultural landscape. These events 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.

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 an event to provide information on those questions and more.

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.

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.

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