Pasture walks provide real time looks at plant growth, weed control and water management tools, all of which are important to beef operations using pasture grazing. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark has organized two of these walks, one each in Story and Monroe counties, and said they're for anyone interested in learning more about pasture management, pasture watering systems and cattle grazing.

Cutting edge technology in cattle operations takes center stage during the second general session of the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention. The theme of this morning session is Precision Livestock Technology and features two speakers and a producer panel.

Livestock producers who want to learn about optimizing forage and livestock production while conserving natural resources are invited to attend the Pasture and Grazing Management series at the Iowa State University Marshall County Extension Office this summer and fall. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Chris Clark is leading the series.

Summer temperatures have arrived with 90+ temperature expected across Iowa this weekend. Cattle may still be acclimating to summer temperatures and may experience some heat stress issues. Breeding cows and bulls may have decreased breeding activity and fertility which can severely impact the early breeding season.

The afternoon breakout sessions at the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention will provide attendees with the latest looks at technological advancements and research results. Held during the afternoons of June 23 and 24, both sessions have three tracks with four presentations. Beth Reynolds says these technical breakouts provide thought-provoking afternoons with individual sessions tailored to specific interests of producers or researchers.

The two optional tours of the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention will provide attendees a firsthand look at unique aspects of Iowa's beef industry. Set for Friday, June 25, both the West and East tours will leave at 7:30 a.m. from the Iowa Events Center and return at 6 p.m.

Lingering drought-stricken pastures and high grain markets have limited forage productivity and land access for many southwest and west central Iowa cattlemen. To help improve forage and grazing capacity, a new summer grazing series has been developed for the area. Iowa State Extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said the four-part series will offer information and resources for producers to improve management practices and capitalize on alternative forage resources to extend the grazing season.

The opening general session of the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention gets right to the point: Where is the beef industry going? Speakers in the June 23 morning session will bring unique perspectives on topics that matter most for beef producers. Dan Loy, Iowa Beef Center director and a member of the planning committee, said that as the pandemic disrupted the beef supply, consumers changed their cooking and eating habits. Now as things move forward, it's not clear what the future of beef on the table will look like and what factors will influence consumer decisions. The first general session of 2021 BIF is designed to address these questions.

On June 8, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a field day in rural Marion County addressing several alternatives to traditional forage management. The meeting is open to the public, and a free steak sandwich dinner will be provided to all who preregister. There is no fee for this event, thanks to sponsorship from the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council.

The 2021 Beef Improvement Federation Symposium and Convention will kick off Tuesday afternoon, June 22, with the Young Producers Symposium. Developed by the planning committee, this event's theme is Profitability in Balance. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Patrick Wall is on the planning committee and said the group is excited to see this presented to open up the BIF 2021 events.

The popular program, Feedlot Forum 2021, will be at the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center on June 29. Built grassroots up, it focuses on issues critical to beef feedlot producers and cutting-edge technology available from agri-business professionals. This year's theme is "Producing and Marketing in Today's Era" and registration is now open for the in-person event.

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