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
	Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College, is hosting an equipment demonstration field day June 23, focusing on hay equipment. Field agronomist Josh Michel said the program is a unique way for ISU Extension and Outreach to showcase equipment options for hay producers in the area.
	Pasture is a longtime and significant part of Iowa agriculture and is a critical component of the state's agricultural landscape. These events provide a hands-on learning experience where livestock producers can assess pasture health, exchange ideas, and discover innovative practices that enhance productivity and animal well-being. Northwest Iowa cow-calf and stocker operators are invited to a pasture walk on July 10 near Hospers.
	Are you wondering how cover crops might fit into your cattle operation? Or whether cover crops can help with conservation efforts? Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said the Jackson County office of ISU Extension and Outreach is planning an event to provide information on those questions and more.
	When it comes to choosing the right mineral package for your cows, one size does NOT fit all. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said the decision begins with two factors: the stage of production and the current diet. With much of the Iowa cow herd now being turned out on pasture, be sure to compare components formulated for early spring, breeding season, or late summer as you consider overall packages.
	The 2025 Update for Veterinarians program will take place on June 26 at the McNay Research Farm near Chariton. The annual Iowa State Extension program offers timely information and education for large and mixed animal veterinarians with a focus on beef cattle production, according to organizer Iowa State extension beef specialist Chris Clark.
	Arguably the most common health nuisance on pasture, pinkeye, doesn't have an easy vaccine solution with consistent efficacy. In part, this is because pinkeye is complicated, involving multiple bacteria strains and risk factors. The solution? Prevention, prevention, and early intervention.
	Time’s running out to treat biennial thistles with herbicide this spring. Meaghan Anderson, extension field agronomist with Iowa State University, said if you want to effectively use herbicide, you need to do so before the plants bolt.
	Temperatures are warmer, grass is greening up nicely, and yes, it's time for ticks. But are ticks on cattle a concern? Absolutely, said Iowa Beef Center program specialist Beth Reynolds, because of disease transmission opportunities.
	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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