The Iowa State University Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2025 Survey has been published, and the results make an interesting read for any land owner, tenant, or farm manager. For the first time in six years, row crop rental rates decreased by almost 3%; however, rental rates on pasture and forage acres across the state remain steady to 3% higher for the ninth straight year.

Southwest Iowa area producers are invited to an evening pasture walk with Jake and Shane Smith on July 1 at the Fremont County Fairgrounds in Sidney. Experts from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will cover a number of topics during the program.

Good news for those looking for technical and practical information for their feedlot operation - the popular Feedlot Short Course is back. Hosted by the Iowa Beef Center and set for July 29-31, this three-day conference was created with today’s beef producer in mind. Event organizer Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said the course design and access to industry speakers provide great value to attendees.

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.

Iowa State University extension livestock specialist Russ Euken is the recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2025 staff Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award. He’s been with ISU Extension and Outreach for more than 40 years, serving with expertise, teamwork, and a focus on client needs.

Using an esophageal feeder is an integral part of raising cattle, yet many producers are not completely comfortable using them. A new publication from Iowa Beef Center, Proper Use of an Esophageal Feeder, provides step-by-step instructions on properly preparing, inserting, and removing the feeder tube.

Newborn calves are susceptible to various illnesses and injuries, and even the best calving seasons can be peppered with occasional health challenges. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark said one such challenge is fracture of limbs.

Those in the beef industry know calving management is critical to production and profitability of the cow herd. Knowing how to prepare, what to do and not do, and when to take action all are critical aspects of correctly managing calving in your herd. That’s why the Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach developed the online Calving Management Manual.

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