   
|
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 | |
 |
For the first time in two years, the Beef Improvement Federation’s annual meeting and research symposium will be held in person. Dan Loy, Iowa Beef Center director and Iowa State University extension beef specialist, said ISU faculty and staff are excited to host this year’s event, set for June 22-25 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. |
 |
A recent Iowa Beef Center evaluation of extension grazing programs showed that while 80% of respondents already incorporate cover crops (winter annuals) into their farming enterprise, there’s an overall interest in additional research on adding forage alternatives to existing cattle production systems. Those findings led to a two-year project on utilizing cool and warm season annual forages into the grazing or stored feed system in cattle operations. ISU extension beef specialist Denise Schwab is involved with the study led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff, and said the project begins with three field days over the next few weeks. |
 |
Those who use silage in their beef rations are invited to consider using the free Corn Silage to Beef Calculator from Iowa Beef Center. According to developer Garland Dahlke, the tool provides a means to rank the potential value of corn silage varieties used in beef rations and can evaluate a variety of factors. |
 |
Our Calving Management online manual is here for you. Info you need for correctly managing calving in your herd: general prep, facilities, supplies and more, all at your fingertips on your device. |
 |
Feed spoilage and waste obviously costs money, but it may have bigger impacts on cattle health as well. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab offers these reminders of feed loss types, causes and effects, and how to address possible challenges. |
 |
Colostrum, or first milk, is extremely important for newborn calves. Ingestion of colostrum imparts passive immunity which is necessary to protect calves from infectious disease. This is particularly important in cattle because bovine antibodies are not readily transferred across the placenta, which means that calves are born almost completely unprotected from environmental pathogens and infectious diseases. And Chris Clark, Iowa State University extension beef specialist, said these antibodies are just one in a long list of beneficial components colostrum provides. |
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. Remember also that 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. |
 |
Stay informedIBC news releases, IBC director monthly column, newsletters and more. |
