The popular Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference has a reputation of providing timely, accurate and important information to the state’s beef cattle industry. Patrick Wall, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist, says the Jan. 26 conference will continue that successful tradition.

“Since Mother Nature seems to have been off her meds in southeast Iowa the last two growing seasons, this year’s Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference will try to address several local challenges to profitability,” Wall says. “In July, the leading topic was obviously drought, but by September flooding grabbed the headlines.”

Free admission
The conference at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa will again offer free admission and be preceded by the KIIC Farm Show on Jan. 25. The 2019 program targets a variety of topics to help producers with any production goal. The keynote speaker will be Burke Teichert, addressing farm and ranch financial management.

“Our four general sessions will open up with Dr. Bob Weaber approaching genetic selection for feed efficiency of cows, followed by Teichert; then Dr. Ron McDaniel will take us to lunch with some cowboy poetry. It never hurts to have a little humor during challenging times,” Wall says.

“Another highlight will occur over the lunch hour, as producers will have a chance to interact with newly elected Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. The afternoon general session is also a must-see when Dr. Tom Noffsinger will offer an extended two-hour session on low-stress cattle handling techniques,” Wall says.

Afternoon break-out sessions include:

• Katy Lippolis, ISU cow-calf specialist, “Meeting Cattle Requirements With Forage Resources”

• Nathan Mathernach, producer, “Cover Crops and Annual Forages in a Grazing System”

• Jeff Mathias, NRCS state grasslands specialist, “Water Systems and EQIP Opportunities for Cattle Producers”

• Mike Downey, Next Generation Ag Advocates, “Farm Transitioning”

Doors will open for this year’s conference and trade show at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa at 8 a.m. The official welcome is at 9 a.m., followed by three general session speakers, then lunch and exhibit viewing.

The afternoon general session begins at 1 p.m. with Tom Noffsinger, and breakout sessions begin at 2:15 p.m., with two repeating time blocks with four choices. No preregistration is necessary. Additional information is at cornbeltcowcalf.com.

Source: Iowa State University