Cow-Calf Commentary for Iowa Cattleman Magazine
By Randie Culbertson, Cow-Calf Extension Specialist
January 2026
Breed Back Better – 2026 Winter Programming
Happy New Year! As we enter 2026, the Iowa Beef Center is gearing up for its busiest time of year in extension programming. Former Beef Center director, Dr. Dan Loy, often referred to January as the "running of the gauntlet." This month marks our most intensive period for program delivery, as we take advantage of the cold winter days to boost producer attendance before the farming season picks up again. This year is no exception, as we are excited to launch a new program series called Breed Back Better (BBB), aimed at helping producers make informed decisions and plan for the upcoming breeding season.
You would have to be living under a rock to have missed the fact that the cow inventory in the United States is at its lowest since the 1950s. As producers contemplate herd expansion or improved performance, the ability to do so without compromising genetic advancement requires the utilization of strategies to enhance reproductive efficiency. Artificial insemination (AI) is a tool to improve the reproductive performance of the cow herd as well as an avenue to increase the genetic potential of your herd. However, the utilization of AI has remained low in the United States, despite research demonstrating the advantages of AI in improving reproductive efficiency. Most of the hesitation for implementation stems from cost, labor requirements, and lower conception rates from AI compared to natural service.
The success of an AI program relies heavily on effective heat detection and the execution of estrus synchronization protocols. The BBB program aims to deepen understanding of estrous cycles and synchronization strategies, while also informing producers about the latest research and technology to improve reproductive efficiency.
Thanks to grant funding from the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC), a Bovine BreederTM AI Simulator was purchased. This model is a life-size simulator that enables individuals to practice cervix manipulation, AI gun positioning, and general reproductive tract palpation without the use of a live animal. While using a model can never fully replicate the experience of palpating a live animal, it provides a valuable opportunity for hands-on educational experiences. One advantage of this model is its ability to visualize the palpation process; it can be opened for better visibility or closed to simulate the experience of palpating "blind."
All workshops will begin with a light meal, and a brief market update from an Ever.Ag livestock economist. Registration for these workshops is $20 and will be made payable to the host country extension offices. Additional support for these workshops has been provided by ABS Global, Inc., Ever.Ag,, and multiple local sponsors. Programs will be held around the state this January. See below for dates or contact the Iowa Beef Center at beefcenter@iastate.edu for more information.
- Creston: Jan. 8, 5:30 to 9 p.m., SWCC Ag Site, 1545 W. Green Valley Road. Register by Jan. 6 by calling the Union County Extension Office at 641-782-8426.
- Centerville: Jan. 26, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Indian Hills Community College, 721 N 1st St. Register by Jan. 24 by calling the Appanoose County Extension Office at 641-856-3885 or by email lfirkins@iastate.edu.
- Fairfield: Jan. 27, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Cambridge Building, 2606 W Burlington Ave. Register by Jan. 25 by calling the Jefferson County Extension at 641-472-4166.
- Dunlap: Jan. 28,12:30 to 4 p.m. at the County Fairgrounds, 405 N 10th Street. Register by Jan. 26 by calling the Harrison County Extension Office at 712-644-2105.
- Hampton: Jan. 29, noon to 3:30 p.m. at the Franklin County Fairgrounds Convention Center, 1008 Central Ave. W. Register by Jan. 27 by calling the Franklin County Extension Office at 641-456-4811 or or email xfranklin@iastate.edu.
- Calmar: Jan. 29, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Northeast Iowa Community College, Room 115 in the Dairy Center building. Register by Jan. 27 by calling the Winneshiek County Extension Office at 563-382-2949. The Calmar location will also include a discussion on late gestation nutrition.
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