Iowa Beef Center | Iowa State University

Pasture and Grazing Arrangements for Beef Cattle.

Mission: The Iowa Beef Center mission is to enhance the vitality, profitability and growth of the Iowa beef industry through timely and relevant producer education, applied research and improved access to information.
News from Iowa Beef Center
	The thirteenth annual Driftless Region Beef Conference will be held Jan. 22-23, 2026, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque. ISU extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said past participants reported the conference program would increase their economic return by more than $10 per animal managed, testifying to the value of attending the conference. This year's presenters continue to bring that value to the conference and attendees.
	Have you found yourself debating about whether now is a good time to expand your beef cow herd? Have you been thinking about how to optimize production to capitalize on this record-high market? Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark said the Dec. 2 program, Responsible Expansion of Iowa’s Cow Herd, might be just the ticket.
	The next Forage Series webinar is Dec. 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Provided by I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association, this session’s topics include an overview of methods to determine hay supply needs, the decision process to decide if you should quit making hay, and a market outlook. Speakers include IBC’s Denise Schwab, Missouri extension specialist Carson Roberts, and Josh Bendorf with Wisconsin State Climatology Office. No fee to participate; however, online registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. For more information, contact ISU extension dairy specialist Fred M. Hall at 712-737-4230.
	Are you up to date on your Beef Quality Assurance or BQA Transportation certification? Southwest Iowa producers can renew or complete certification before the end of the year. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk is organizing the event, set for Dec. 9 in Clarinda.
	The Iowa Beef Center is offering four Advanced Calving Clinics in early January to help Iowa cattlemen and women prepare for a successful calving season and subsequent breeding period. Clinics will be offered on Jan. 6 in Fayette and Clinton counties and on Jan. 7 in Greene and Montgomery counties. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said the clinics will feature a variety of learning sessions, and opportunities to share questions and experiences.
	Dealing with stress: Serious financial and other stresses continue to impact and affect those in our agricultural community. There are some resources to help deal with a variety of stress concerns and grief. The Iowa Concern Hotline is always available at 800-447-1985, iowaconcern@iastate.edu and at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/.
	Looking for a BQA workshop? Check this listing on this page of the Iowa Beef Industry Council website for a location near you. This page also has links to our IBC personnel, online BQA training, information on BQA transportation trainings and more.
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Mission: The Iowa Beef Center mission is to enhance the vitality, profitability and growth of the Iowa beef industry through timely and relevant producer education, applied research and improved access to information.

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