The Three-State Beef Conference provides beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry with a regular update on current cow-calf and stocker topics. Iowa State University extension beef specialists Erika Lundy-Woolfolk and Chris Clark are Iowa organizers of the annual event, and say each year's content is based on prior attendee feedback and current industry economic conditions. The 2026 event is set for Jan. 13-15, at locations in Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska, respectively.

CANCELED: Responsible Expansion of Iowa’s Cow Herd program originally set for Dec. 2 in Albia.

Amidst volatile markets, historic low herd numbers indicate an imminent cow-herd expansion. During this expansion, reproductive efficiency, intentional record keeping and sound financial management will set apart industry leaders that expand successfully without compromising quality. Iowa Beef Center has planned six workshops to help producers learn about proactively planning to take advantage of market conditions and animal reproductive efficiency. The Breed Back Better workshops will run from Jan. 8-29, in different Iowa locations.

The Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference, Iowa’s premier educational event for Iowa’s cow-calf sector, enters its 54th year, and the trade show and program set for January 23-24, 2026, will certainly continue that tradition. The Bridge View Center in Ottumwa will again be hosting the CCCC, and admission will continue to be free thanks to ag industry vendors that will fill the exhibit hall.

The thirteenth annual Driftless Region Beef Conference will be held Jan. 22-23, 2026, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque. ISU extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said past participants reported the conference program would increase their economic return by more than $10 per animal managed, testifying to the value of attending the conference. This year's presenters continue to bring that value to the conference and attendees.

The Iowa Beef Center is offering four Advanced Calving Clinics in early January to help Iowa cattlemen and women prepare for a successful calving season and subsequent breeding period. Clinics will be offered on Jan. 6 in Fayette and Clinton counties and on Jan. 7 in Greene and Montgomery counties. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab said the clinics will feature a variety of learning sessions, and opportunities to share questions and experiences.

The next Forage Series webinar is Dec. 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Provided by I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association, this session’s topics include an overview of methods to determine hay supply needs, the decision process to decide if you should quit making hay, and a market outlook. Speakers include IBC’s Denise Schwab, Missouri extension specialist Carson Roberts, and Josh Bendorf with Wisconsin State Climatology Office. No fee to participate; however, online registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. For more information, contact ISU extension dairy specialist Fred M. Hall at 712-737-4230.

The future of information sharing is so much more than in-person meetings, and Patrick Wall is making it even better. The Iowa State University extension beef specialist hosts a new video podcast from Iowa Beef Center called the Iowa Beef Collective. Regardless of your role in the beef industry, he said you'll find something of interest and value.

Are you up to date on your Beef Quality Assurance or BQA Transportation certification? Southwest Iowa producers have two opportunities to renew or complete certification before the end of the year. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk is organizing both locations, set for Nov. 11 in Oakland and Dec. 9 in Clarinda.

The university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference to educate beef producers. The fourteenth annual event will be held Jan. 22-23, 2026, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque.

The popular estrus synchronization planner for beef cattle is now available in an online/phone application format. First available years ago through the Beef Reproduction Task Force as a for-purchase tool, the planner and its multigroup version have been offered at no charge via the Iowa Beef Center website since 2011. IBC research scientist Garland Dalhke is a member of the task force, and developed and maintains the spreadsheets. Now he's created an online version also available at no charge.

Emerging technologies are on the agenda for a November 13 field day near Red Oak, and all are invited. Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University and South Dakota State University Beef Extension have partnered to showcase, demonstrate, and discuss a wide variety of new tools and techniques in beef production. ISU beef specialist Erika Woolfolk said a unique feature is the SDSU technology trailer packed with a variety of livestock technologies.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is excited to announce the third annual Genetic Symposium to be held Nov. 19-20 in Ames, at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. This year's symposium, planned by Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension cow calf specialist Randie Culbertson, will focus on the practical implementation of genetic tools and technologies for commercial beef production.

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