Northwest Iowa pasture, hay, and forage meetings set for December
Focus on Moving Forward in 2023
11/11/2022
August pasture during drought.
ORANGE CITY, Iowa - Continuing and intensifying drought across northwest Iowa has cattle producers wondering how to prepare for 2023. Pastures were overgrazed, and the U.S. Drought Monitor has most of northwest Iowa rated as severe or extreme drought.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Beth Doran said a series of three meetings is planned to help producers manage previous drought conditions and prepare for continuing drought.
"Our speakers will cover USDA financial assistance programs, a new insurance program, hay stand assessment and repair, and considerations for different forages," she said. "All meetings are offered at no charge, but please preregister with the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in the hosting county."
- Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–noon, ISU Extension and Outreach Office, 305 N. Main, Pocahontas. Call to preregister 712-335-3103.
- Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m., St. John’s United Methodist Church, 212 S 7th St., Mapleton. Call to preregister 712-423-2175.
- Dec. 19, 1-3 p.m., Le Mars Convention Center – lower level, 251 12 St. SE, Le Mars. Call to preregister 712-546-7835.
A representative from Farm Credit Services of America will discuss Pasture, Range and Forage Insurance. This relatively new insurance program covers perennial forages and grazing land used to feed livestock that is based on a grid system and rainfall index.
Farm Service Agency representatives will provide an explanation of these three USDA financial assistance programs: Livestock Forage Disaster Program, Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, and Livestock Indemnity Program.
ISU Extension and Outreach crops specialists Gentry Sorenson and Leah Ten Napel will share how to assess pasture/hay stands and go about repairing them. In some cases, frost seeding may be adequate. More extreme losses may involve interseeding or starting over with a new seeding.
Doran will present considerations for alternative and short-term forages. She will discuss annual cool-season and warm-season forages that may be used to reduce the grazing pressure on perennial pastures.
Additional questions may be directed to Doran at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.
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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 Doran, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist, 712-737-4230, doranb@iastate.edu
