The Iowa Beef Industry Council recently gathered with members of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association at the state capitol in Des Moines for a signing ceremony, declaring “May is Beef Month in Iowa.” Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the proclamation in recognition of the importance of Iowa’s beef industry to the state’s economy.

Iowa is a major beef producing state and started the year with nearly 4 million head of cattle on January 1, the proclamation states. The beef industry contributes greatly to Iowa’s economy by generating more than $6.3 billion annually and creates jobs for more than 32,000 Iowans. Also, today's beef is a naturally nutrient-rich food, providing protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins with more than 30 beef cuts that meet the government’s definition for “lean.”

The governor noted that beef producers are the original environmentalists, working to conserve the soil and make optimum use of natural resources. Iowa is a leader in the export of value-added agriculture products, shipping high-quality Iowa beef to other countries around the world. “There is an ever-increasing need for better understanding of the benefits that the beef industry provides to all Iowans,” Reynolds said.

IBIC invests in new research
The IBIC board of directors also approved eight beef research proposals to be funded by the 50-cent-per-head state beef checkoff program.

In the first call for proposals, 13 research applications were received from multiple state universities. Eight of the research projects gained board approval for a total investment of $342,332, to be expensed over two fiscal years. The goal is to work forward on key industry topics by investing in research that provides opportunity to advance the industry.

“Our research committee and board of directors have worked hard to review and approve several production research proposals across four Midwest universities,” says Dean Black, treasurer of the IBIC and chairman of the council’s research committee. “The state checkoff funds allow us to invest in research that helps producers improve practices and potentially assess important issues facing our industry.”

The approved research projects are beef production-focused within the identified priority areas. The priority areas identified and evaluated include: cattle production systems beneficial to Iowa’s beef producers; on-farm practices and herd health; and marketing trends. Proposals ranged in scope from grazing cover crops to advanced software programs to identify herd health. All research will be published and peer-reviewed, with contracts outlining the scope of work.

“The IBIC board of directors is excited to support areas in beef research that have been needed but lacked funding in the past several years,” Black says. “Producers have asked for part of their state checkoff dollars to be directed toward research, and this is a good start in fulfilling that goal.” If you have questions, contact the IBIC office at 515-296-2305 or [email protected].

IBIC is funded by the $1-per-head national beef checkoff program and the 50-cent-per-head state beef checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For information, visit iabeef.org.

Source: Iowa Beef Industry Council