The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is hosting a “Calving Under Roof Field Day” on August 25 near Linden in west central Iowa. The program will provide livestock farmers an opportunity to tour existing calving barns, hear about the economics of calving under roof, outline strategies to reduce feed costs, discuss cattle health considerations and receive a rules and regulations update.

PLAN TO ATTEND: August 25 field day near Linden will feature two farms where you’ll have the opportunity to tour facilities housing cows with 2016 calves at their side. Attendees will also learn how each cattle farmer manages the cattle, the facility, cattle health and nutrition.

“We’ve definitely seen increased interest from farmers in placing cows under roof,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. “This option allows the farmer easy access to monitor the animals and also protects the cattle from inclement weather. This August 25^th field day will provide Iowa cattle farmers an opportunity to see firsthand cows calving under roof and help them determine if this option is right for them.”

Unique insight from consultants and experienced cattlemen
The “Calving Under Roof Field Day” will provide unique insight from industry experts such as Moe Russell, president of Russell Consultant Group, who has an extensive background in the economics of cattle production and will offer insight into the financial feasibility of calving under roof today. Shawn Nicholson from the Stuart Vet Clinic will discuss ways to manage herd health and offer tips on reproductive strategies when raising cows under roof.

Also on the agenda is Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director, who will provide attendees with an overview of the rules and regulations impacting calving barns and considerations to take into account before starting construction. In addition, the field day will feature two farms where attendees will have the opportunity to tour facilities housing cows with 2016 calves at their side. Attendees will also learn how each cattle farmer manages the cattle, the facility, cattle health and nutrition.

Registration is free if you sign up by August 19 to attend
Registration, including a complimentary lunch, is free if completed by August 19. For more information about the tour or to register, visit supportfarmers.com or call 800-932-2436. Space is limited, so register today. For a complete agenda, click here.

The field day is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Hoop Beef System, LLC, Accu Steel, Hedgewood Equipment, Suther Feed, Redfield Feed & Supply and Peoples Trust and Savings.

CSIF is a nonprofit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. For more information, call 800-932-2436 or visit supportfarmers.com.

 The CSIF was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a joint partnership of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers, Iowa Egg Council, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.