Iowa Beef Center director column
July 2022
It is summer in Iowa. For beef producers summer means taking advantage of grazing opportunities to reduce increasing feed costs, dealing with the inevitable heat spell and the potential negative effects on cattle comfort and welfare, and taking in the County Fair.
Every year there will be periods where the risk of heat stress will reach the danger zone. Heat stress is usually manageable but it helps to have a plan and act quickly. We have several useful resources for dealing with heat stress and cattle management before, during and after those periods (https://www.iowabeefcenter.org/heatresources.html.)
The Iowa Beef Center team will be again hosting several grazing events this summer. Grassroots Grazing is one series that will be held in Northeast Iowa. Also, we are planning another fencing and grazing clinic to be held this fall at the ISU Beef Teaching Farm. If you don’t already have one, the Pasture Management Guide is a great resource (https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/5256). We also have publications at the ISU Extension store on fly control and internal parasites, both common summertime questions.
County Fairs are happening across Iowa this month. Even if you are not a 4-H or FFA parent or grandparent I hope you try to attend your local cattle show and support these industry leaders of tomorrow. Beyond the fair, these beef projects teach responsibility, hard work, stockmanship and money management. The young people can also learn about the science of beef production. One resource for beef science education that you may not be aware of is Animal U. This online youth educational tool was developed under the leadership of Amy Powell, ISU Animal Science STEM Specialist. You can find this online tool here (https://www.extension.iastate.edu/animalu/).
In many counties the fair is also a great time to support the county cattlemen behind the grills and enjoy some great Iowa beef. And of course, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is the program that helps consumers know that their beef supply is safe and wholesome. If you became BQA certified in 2019, your certification may be expiring soon. We will continue to provide BQA education and certification sessions across Iowa this summer and fall through a cooperative program led by the Iowa Beef Industry Council. For an updated list of upcoming programs, check this site. (https://www.iabeef.org/cattlemens-corner/iowa-bqa) Also three upcoming BQA Transportation programs are planned in Northwest Iowa in July, August and November. Several packers require BQAT certification for drivers delivering cattle to the plant.
Registration is open for the 6th Annual Feedlot Short Course to be held August 2-4. This program includes hands-on learning as well as classroom education. We feature nationally recognized speakers as well as ISU specialists. Be sure to register early. Enrollment is limited to 30 people and it has filled every year.
The “Update for Veterinarians” program will be held once again at the McNay Research Farm near Chariton July 7. Time may be short by the time you read this but contact Chris Clark for details if you are interested in this continuing education event for veterinarians.
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!
