A series of feedlot tours offering cattle feeders timely information on regulatory compliance, biosecurity and effective feedlot management will be held June 16-19 at four locations in Iowa. "Cattle Farming Matters: A Forum and Feedlot Tour for Cattle Feeders" will provide farmers with the information they need to grow their beef cattle farm responsibly and successfully, meet regulatory demands and enhance their cattle management skills.

Cattle feeders will also receive insight into capturing manure value, enhancing neighbor relations, identifying best locations for new facilities and understanding the economic incentives that make cattle feeding an attractive business option for Iowa farmers.

Sponsors of the educational tours include Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University and the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
Tours will be held near Andover, Monday, June 16; Ireton, Tuesday, June 17; Everly, Wednesday, June 18; and Dedham, Thursday, June 19.

Speakers will include IBC director and ISU Extension livestock economist John Lawrence, ICA Executive Vice President Bruce Berven, Ken Hessineus of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Tony Toigo, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Tour details include:

• The Andover tour will begin at 9 a.m. at the Naeve Feedlot. This tour will feature open feedlots (from 180 to more than 1,000 head) with total containment or solid-settling technology.
• The Ireton tour will begin at 9 a.m. with registration at the Zwart Feedlot. This tour will feature small (less than 1,000 head), non-permitted feedlots and the Six mile Watershed Project.
• The Everly/Royal tour will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the Follon Feedlot. During this tour small (less than 1,000 head), non-permitted feedlots that may need NPDES permits in the future will be featured as well as the Iowa Small Feedlot Plan.
• The Dedham tour will begin with registration at 11:30 at the Dedham Legion Hall. This tour will feature run-off technologies in plan on small feedlots (less than 1,000 head) and the Iowa Small Feedlot Plan.

Tour registration is $15 per person prior to June 12 and $25 per person after June 12. Detailed agendas for each of the tours can be found at www.supportfarmers.com. All tours will conclude by 4 p.m. For more information, tour directions or to register, log on to www.supportfarmers.com or call 515-225-5490.