Denise Schwab, interim IBC director column
November 2024
I hope by the time this hits your mailboxes the grain is all in the bin, cows are grazing stalks, and new calves are all healthy and working up on feed. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought now is a good time to reflect on all the blessings we have as Iowa beef producers, so here is my list of what I’m thankful for.
First, I am so grateful to be living in the great state of Iowa where we have four beautiful seasons to enjoy. Granted, some summer days get plenty hot and we have some doosy winter storms, but for the most part our weather is great and we can enjoy four unique seasons. But this weather coupled with our high-quality soils allow us to grow tremendous feed to support our animals. Most years we can raise a 200+ bushel corn crop, graze the residue and establish a winter cereal crop to graze in the spring all on the same acre. Not many other states can do that. Did you know Iowa is number 1 nationally in corn, hog and egg production, as well as animal products export value? We are also number 2 nationally for soybean production, fourth for cattle on feed and seventh for all cattle and calves.
Second, we have great producers in Iowa and I am truly blessed to be able to work with some of the best of them. Granted there are a few ‘grouchy old men’ also in the cattle business, but most of them are pretty soft and caring once you break through their outer crust. I really enjoy teaching BQA trainings when I can get a grin out of these guys, and have them admit they really did learn something from the training. And there are few places in this country where farmers will step in to help harvest for a neighbor who is hurt or ill, or to support a grieving family to bring in their crops or gather their cows.
I’m also grateful for the opportunity to vote for our elected representatives. This may be the most unique aspect of our democracy which is frequently taken for granted. Regardless of who you support, I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to cast your vote.
And finally, I’m most grateful to be able to raise my family, kids and grandkids, on the farm, where they can experience the joy of new birth and the sadness of loss of their best animal friend. Or where they see a tiny seed germinate and produce a bountiful crop that feeds the world. Some of the most important conversations in a child’s life can take place while checking cows, walking beans, picking rocks or fishing in the pond. And countless employers have told me they like to hire Iowa farm kids because “they know how to work.” We should be proud of what farm life teaches our youth and continue to raise them with our good work ethic and values.
I see that strong Iowa work ethic in our Iowa Beef Center staff and all the good things they do for Iowa cattle producers. Our busy winter meeting season is just starting to gear up, so watch the calendar of events in our Growing Beef newsletter, and watch for upcoming BQA programs at www.iabeef.org/cattlemens-corner/iowa-bqa. Registration for the December 16 & 17 Genetics Symposium is opening soon, and Randie has a great line up of speakers scheduled. If you aren’t already receiving Growing Beef, sign up at https://go.iastate.edu/UIQJTM or by clicking this QR code.
The IBC at Iowa State University serves as the university’s extension program to cattle producers. Our center comprises a team of faculty and staff from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. We work together to develop and deliver the latest in research-based information to improve the profitability and vitality of Iowa’s beef industry. If you’d like to be notified of updates on progress of research projects or programs that might be coming to your area, please subscribe to our “Growing Beef” newsletter by following the link on our website, www.iowabeefcenter.org. If you have a question, use our “Ask our Experts” link. Also, feel free to call us at 515-294-BEEF or email us at beefcenter@iastate.edu. You can follow @iowabeefcenter on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
