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.

When Iowa State University extension economist Chad Hart spoke at the 2025 Feedlot Forum, USDA acreage numbers were the big story; specifically, the main question was about USDA’s estimate of the shift from soybeans to corn. Now as we approach planting, the main acreage question is whether farmers will shift even more from soybeans to corn than USDA anticipated.

Cattle producers looking for tools to add to their risk management plans might want to consider Livestock Risk Protection. Just as the name says, LRP is price protection for livestock, not insurance against death, sickness, or anything else. Zach Tindall, Vice-President of Commodities - Producers Livestock, said the downside risk protection offered by the program can be a beneficial addition, especially because it leaves the top side of the market open.

Feed costs and reproductive inefficiency are the two largest expenses in a beef cow enterprise. To help beef producers gear up for a successful breeding season, the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University, ISU Extension and Outreach Shelby County, and Farm Service Cooperative are partnering on a breeding season workshop focused on nutrition set for April 29 in west central Iowa.

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.

The "Responsible Expansion of Iowa's Cow Herd" program, originally set for April 1 and 2 has been cancelled. Is now a good time to expand your beef cow herd? Have you been thinking about how to optimize your production to capitalize on this record-high market? The new Iowa Beef Center program, “Responsible Expansion of Iowa’s Cow Herd” might help provide answers to those questions.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Marshall County is hosting a pasture walk near Gilman on March 12 beginning at 1 p.m. Detailed instructions to the pasture will be provided when preregistering. This event is for anyone interested in learning more about pasture management and cattle grazing.

Increasing days on feed for feedlot cattle isn’t a new idea. However, several research studies in recent years have shown that as cattle get bigger a large percentage of their weight gain is in the form of carcass weight gain. Grant Crawford, associate director of cattle technical services at Merck Animal Health, said this concept, termed carcass transfer, allows cattle feeders the opportunity to extend days-on-feed and increase profitability on certain groups of cattle.

Results from a recent study on how early nutrition can affect finished beef health, performance, and carcass quality in beef x dairy calves provided some clarity and some surprises for Iowa State University researchers. Iowa Beef Center research scientist Garland Dahlke said the study focused on short and longer-term effects of different diets in the first five months of life.

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.

All hay producers in the region are invited to attend the 40th annual Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association Annual Meeting and Conference on March 20 at Buzzy’s in Welton. This year’s program will feature two newer Iowa State University staff: Dr. Shelby Gruss, assistant professor in forage extension, and Madelynn Wuestenberg, agricultural climatology extension specialist.

Feedlot producers should plan to attend the 2025 Dairy Beef Short Course on March 25 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This year’s program features unique aspects of managing dairy-beef crossbreds such as implants, vaccinations, early calf nutrition, and feedlot economics. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Beth Doran said that while dairy-beef crossbreds differ from straight-bred beef cattle, they have some positive aspects.

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