Producers across the predominant cow-calf sector of Iowa will have five opportunities in November to learn about reproductive efficiency from a number of angles and to investigate a new approach to managing heifers.

Iowa State University Extension beef specialist Patrick Wall says these five meetings, set for Nov. 17-21, will cover selecting the right genetics, the right heifer and the right bull to achieve individual herd goals.

"The proper timing and attention to detail for a successful AI program will also be vetted, including age, implants, stress, nutrition, handling, synch protocols and health," he says. "Attendees will also have the opportunity to enroll their 2017 heifer calf crop in the Iowa Cowmaker Elite program at the conclusion of the meeting."

The sessions are:

• Nov. 17  at Creston, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at Guthrie Center, 4 to 7 p.m.

• Nov. 20 at the McNay Research Farm near Chariton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Nov. 21 at Jones County Extension in Monticello, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at Washington, 5 to 8 p.m. There's no fee to attend, and several meetings will conclude with tours of cooperating heifer development locations.

Learn about Iowa Cowmaker Elite
“We need our cows to celebrate more birthdays in order to enhance profitability and limit depreciation expense,” Wall says. “The ICE program is designed to help producers select and manage heifers to stay in the herd past age 8, and ensure that her daughters do, too.”

These meetings will feature Dr. Sandy Johnson of Kansas State University who will cover two topics: the attention to detail necessary to achieve a top-notch heifer development program, and use of the Management Minder, a calendar tool used to help producers achieve proper timing when managing heifers. “The Minder is incredibly easy to use and especially useful for producers who want to manage their heifers for the ICE program at home,” Wall says.

For additional information, visit the ICE web page, or contact Wall by email or phone at 515-450-7665.

Risk management workshop for beef producers
Beef producers who want to learn more about risk management topics, including costs of wintering cattle, available insurance options and a general beef cattle outlook are invited to attend a beef cattle risk management workshop Nov. 8 near Chariton. ISU Extension beef specialist Joe Sellers has organized the event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Pin Oak Marsh Learning Center, 45996 State Highway 14, Chariton.

“Our presenters are from ISU and the insurance industry, and we’ll offer information to help producers learn more about recognizing and planning for risks,” says Sellers. “There’s no cost to attend, but preregistration is encouraged.”

Workshop topics include a beef cattle outlook; Livestock Revenue Protection; Livestock Gross Revenue Insurance; pasture, rangeland and forage insurance; and beef cow wintering costs. Presenters are Lee Schulz, ISU Extension livestock economist; Jim Arnold of K. Threlkeld Insurance; Tom Berens of Greta American Insurance; and Sellers. For more information on the workshop, call Sellers at 641-203-1270 or Arnold 888-755-5671. A flier for the workshop has details.

Source: ISU Extension