Iowa Beef Center director column
February 2022
Beef Research
Research is an important mission of Iowa State University. The research conducted here ranges from fundamental basic knowledge to the application of that knowledge to make daily decisions on the farm. Both are important. Researchers are encouraged to publish their findings in peer-reviewed publications and journals. This adds to the credibility of the information and long term quality of research.
However, many of these journals are not easily available to the public or the beef industry and often a subscription is required that can be costly. At one time producers were given an early look at beef research results through a Cattle Feeder’s Day Report. We later published a Beef Research Report each year. In 2004 the research reports from the Animal Science Department at ISU were combined into an electronic Animal Industry Report. These articles are now reviewed internally and published on a quarterly basis. Recent and upcoming articles range from transit induced oxidative stress in receiving cattle to feedlot closeout benchmarking reports.
As part of our Iowa Beef Center mission to deliver research based education to the beef industry we often translate results of research into fact sheets or reviews. However, if you are interested in getting a first look at research reports of current research activities, check out the Animal Industry Reports online. Also, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln still annually publishes a large and comprehensive annual Beef Research Report that is worthy of your review.
Speaking of UNL, we will once again be co-hosting our biennial silage conference with ISU, UNL and Lallemand Animal Nutrition. This year the focus will be on small grain silage. With the increased population of cover crops, incorporating small grains into a double crop silage program is gaining momentum. The Silage for Beef Conference will be held March 17 at the Eastern Nebraska Education Center at Mead, NE.
Cattle marketing policy and transparency is in the news and Iowa Cattlemen have been the tip of the spear on this issue. One result of improved transparency is new USDA reports. These reports will be reviewed in a series of six marketing meetings we are planning for February 22-March 2 across Iowa. Other topics include cattle and beef price outlook, risk management tools and benchmarking.
We know many of you have expiring Beef Quality Assurance certifications. We have several BQA training and certification sessions scheduled across Iowa in February. Remember the goal of BQA is that of enhancing trust as responsible stewards of the animals. The BQA program is provided in partnership with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, and a list of upcoming events is available on that website. Did you know that after exposure to the BQA program consumers have a more positive view of the beef industry? Also, Iowa producers estimate that BQA certification added $430 annually to their operations and ensured market access.
Need a calving book? We have a fresh printing of our newly revised calving book available. It includes not only a place to record your information but some very helpful tips and guides for your cow-calf operation. Contact us for your copy. Related to calving, be sure to check out our Online Calving Manual. This is a great refresher on calving time management.
The IBC at Iowa State University serves as the university’s extension program to cattle producers. Our center comprises a team of faculty and staff from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. We work together to develop and deliver the latest in research-based information to improve the profitability and vitality of Iowa’s beef industry. If you’d like to be notified of updates on progress of research projects or programs that might be coming to your area, please subscribe to our "Growing Beef" newsletter by following the link on our website, www.iowabeefcenter.org. If you have a question, use the "Ask our Experts" link on the website. Also, feel free to call us at 515-294-BEEF or email us at beefcenter@iastate.edu. You can also follow @iowabeefcenter on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and now, AgFuse!
