There are nearly 2.5 million cattle in four Midwest states and university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming up to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference. The tenth annual event is set for January 27-28 at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque, Iowa. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is a presenting partner.

Focus for the conference is on efficient and economic forage and beef production. The driftless region in these states contain rolling hills, streams and karst soil topography. Because soil and water conservation is best accomplished when much of this land is seeded to forage, and livestock can consume those forages, the conference focus is designed to meet those management needs.

Opening the conference at 1 p.m. Jan. 27 is Ron Gill, professor and extension livestock specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and associate department head. In a meat fabrication demonstration, ISU meat science specialist Terry Houser, associate professor and Smithfield Foods Chair in Meat Science Extension will show and explain various value cuts.

The two afternoon topics include alternative meats and consumer trends. An evening discussion on value-added opportunities will feature a producer panel. Friday morning's session features Matt Ludlow of Rush Creek Ranch in Wisconsin. He recently was honored with the National Stocker Award.

That presentation will be followed by eight breakout sessions for feedlot operations, cow-calf producers and a market outlook.

Key speakers include Dan Loy, director of the Iowa Beef Center at ISU; Denise Schwab, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach; Bill Halfman and Mark Renz, University of Wisconsin; Bailey Harsh, University of Illinois; and Mary Drewnoski and Elliott Dennis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Early registration fee is $85 per person and must be received before midnight, Jan. 14. The price rises to $115 after that date. More information on topics, speakers and lodging is available at aep.iastate.edu/beef. Online and mail registration forms are available on the conference website.

The Driftless Region Beef Conference is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois Extension and University of Wisconsin Extension. For more information or to receive a brochure, contact Denise Schwab, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, at 319-472-4739.

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