Field day to focus on increasing feed value of grazed corn residue
8/22/24
AMES, Iowa – Harvest season is just around the corner, and with it comes an abundance of corn residue ready for cattlemen to utilize. When planning how many grazing days are available, Iowa State University extension program specialist Beth Reynolds said it’s important to look at some potential positive changes in that number.
"It's time to take the traditional guidelines and apply considerations for the impact improved plant varieties and harvest methods have on the residual product available to graze," she said. "Being able to more accurately predict the feed value of corn residue is an important step for producers looking for avenues to be more efficient with their winter feeding plan.”
The Iowa Beef Center has partnered with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to host a field day in Creston, Iowa, on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be in Room 108 of the Instructional Center at Southwestern Community College.
This field day will specifically highlight a recently completed research project at University of Nebraska–Lincoln funded by the Iowa Beef Checkoff. Dr. Mary Drewnoski, associate professor and extension beef systems specialist at UNL, led the project and said the study was designed to identify how the implementation of modern-day chopping corn heads has impacted the feed value of grazed corn residue.
Topics on the agenda:
- How to determine and adjust stocking rates
- The agronomic impacts grazing has on row crop production
- Developing rental agreements
- Meeting nutritional needs while grazing corn residue
Speakers are from UNL and ISU, including Drewnoski and Reynolds. The program has been made possible in part by the USDA and the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council.
A lunch grilled by the Union County Cattlemen will be included in this free educational opportunity. In addition to the in-person meeting, a livestream option will be set up for those unable to attend in person.
To register for either in-person attendance or the livestream option, visit https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVj1y3OfN4GjtUq.
For more information, email bethr@iastate.edu or call 515-294-BEEF (2333).
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The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Beth Reynolds, ISU Extension and Outreach program specialist, 515-294-9881, bethr@iastate.edu
