Cattle prices are at an all-time high, but high prices don't necessarily equate to high profits. With tight margins, it's important for cattle feeders to focus on the management and marketing skills needed to maintain profitability. That's why Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is helping sponsor a Cattle Feeders Summer Seminar next month.
Denise Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialist, said the program emphasis is on marketing opportunities and management to optimize cattle performance and profitability. The seminar will be Monday, Aug. 11, from 3 to 9 p.m., starting at the Jones County Extension Expo hall in Monticello and concluding with an on-farm demonstration.
"It will include industry updates related to animal care and sustainability, marketing opportunities in eastern Iowa, and animal handling techniques," Schwab said. "Speakers include IBC director Dan Loy, Doug Bear of Iowa Beef Industry Council and Dave Rueber of Innovative Ag Services."
Loy will talk about high quality cattle marketing, Bear will offer Beef Quality Assurance training and certification, and Rueber will share his observations on beef finishing facilities.
Tom Noffsinger, consulting feedyard veterinarian from Benkelman, Neb., who is well known for his work with low-stress handling techniques, will present information and a demonstration.
"Animal disposition and stress has a direct impact on gain, feed efficiency and health, and numerous research studies show that stressed cattle have higher health treatment rates and costs, increased mortality rates and lower quality grades," Schwab said. "Dr. Noffsinger's demonstration will focus on ways to acclimate cattle to human handling that reduces stress and improves cattle behavior and performance. Calmer cattle also result in fewer injuries to farmers."
Partners joining IBC to offer this seminar are Merck Animal Health, Iowa Beef Industry Council and Innovative Ag Services. Cost for the seminar is $10, which can be paid at the door. Preregistration is requested by calling the Benton County Extension office at 319-472-4739 or emailing Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu. For more information contact Schwab at 319-721-9624.
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