The 2020 version of the Beef Feedlot Short Course, organized and hosted by Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University, will be Aug. 11-13 at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames.

ISU Extension beef specialist Erika Lundy says the goal of the event is to optimize participant learning through exposure to new technology, research and best management practices. She says the best way to accomplish this is in a small group setting with a mix of hands-on and classroom instruction. 

“Since the first of these short courses in 2017, we have had a limit of 30 participants to ensure plenty of hands-on and small group classroom learning opportunities for all attendees,” she says. “This approach has allowed us to plan for 2020 in the same fashion without needing to drastically adjust our schedule, speakers or topics.” 

The event will follow state of Iowa and Iowa State University guidelines to ensure health and safety of all participants. This includes implementing safe practices such as social distancing, wearing face coverings when the 6-foot separation distances are not possible, and using small groups for hands-on activities. Additionally, nearly half of the program is on-farm, providing well-ventilated areas. 

Outdoor sessions part of program 

In addition to sessions at the Hansen Center on the ISU campus, sessions will also be held at the Iowa State Beef Nutrition Farm at Ames and at Couser Cattle Co. in nearby Nevada, Iowa. 

The program runs from 12:30 p.m. Aug. 11 through noon Aug. 13. For questions on the short course content, contact Lundy at [email protected] or IBC Director Dan Loy at [email protected]. 

The short course is designed specifically for feedlot managers, employees and industry. Participant comments from post-event surveys on what they liked best about the program include: “Perfect group size,” “Great job of covering many important topics at a good level of detail” and “Good mix of class and farm time.” 

The 2020 short course topics will include: 

Register to reserve spot 

The $350-per-person registration fee includes program materials and meals listed on the agenda. Registration deadline is midnight Aug. 4 or when the course limit of 30 is reached, whichever occurs first. All registrations must be done by online registration. 

See the short course website for registration information, requirements and links at aep.iastate.edu/feedlot. 

Participants are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, if needed. A block of rooms is available at Comfort Inn & Suites ISU at 603 South 16th St., Ames, 515-663-9555 or choicehotels.com.  

“We will strive to keep participants as safe as possible, and that includes a “no questions” refund policy if participants need to cancel registration for any reason,” Lundy says. “We look forward to providing a fourth year of in-depth education and practical experience for our attendees.” 

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