ICA Iowa Cattlemen Association : Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to hold educational forums

Date: 1/3/2017 12:00:00 AM

Title: Iowa Cattlemen's Association to hold educational forums

Continual improvement is an important part of farm management, especially when profitability challenges arise.

That is why the Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) is holding educational events around the state in January.

Cow/Calf Forums
Two free seminars for cow/calf producers in northeast Iowa will be held on January 19. The speakers at this year's Cow/Calf Forums will focus on herd health including strategic deworming and vaccinations. The events will also include a question and answer session with area veterinarians.

'Anytime you can improve the health of your cattle, you're also going to improve your profits,' says Eric Smith, who serves on the ICA board of directors, representing Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette and Clayton counties. 'We're excited to host this event for the second year in a row, and hope that it brings a lot of value to our area cattle producers.'

Any cattle producers or dairy producers are welcome to attend the events, which are free of charge and include a meal. Producers need not be members of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association to attend.

Oelwein Cow/Calf Forum
Thursday, January 19, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Generations (above Leo's Italian Restaurant) 29 South Frederick, Oelwein, IA 50662
RSVP by Friday, January 13 to 515.296.2266 or [e-mail]

Rossville Cow/Calf Forum
Thursday, January 19, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Old Rossville Store, 851 Volney Rd, Rossville, IA 52172
RSVP by Friday, January 13 to 515.296.2266 or [e-mail]
Feedlot Forums
Feedlot Forums, educational events for feedlot operators, will be held in Sioux Center and Carroll the same week.

The Feedlot Forums will both cover topics important to Iowa's cattlemen and women. 'We've heard concerns about the markets from feedlot operators over the past several months, so we will be sure to cover risk management strategies at both events,' says Merle Witt, Iowa Cattlemen's Association Western Iowa Membership Coordinator. 'We'll also talk about rule changes that affect cattle producers, like the Veterinary Feed Directive and changes to manure management rules, and give an update on the Iowa beef checkoff, which will be reinstated in March.'

The first Feedlot Forum, held in partnership with ISU Extension, will take place on January 17 in Sioux Center. Topics covered include the Veterinary Feed Directive, feedlot assessments, market volatility, market prices and industry updates.

Registration for the Sioux Center Feedlot Forum is $25 per person, with a special reduced rate of $10 for students. Registration includes a steak dinner and $10 beef certificate. Register at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office by Jan. 12. For more information, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office at 712-737-4230.

On January 18, another Feedlot Forum will be held in Carroll. Topics there will also be timely and important to the future success of Iowa's feedlot producers. Market volatility, prices, changes to DNR manure rules, and the Iowa beef checkoff will all be discussed.

The Carroll event is free of charge and includes lunch. RSVP by Friday, January 13 to 515.296.2266 or [e-mail].

Later events

ICA will also host three Feedlot Forums in eastern Iowa in March, as well as regional BeefMeets in LeMars, Creston, Ottumwa and Dubuque in June. Pasture walks and grazing seminars are also planned. These events are all part of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association's mission to grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.

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About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Iowa Cattlemen's Association represents nearly 10,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa's beef industry. ICA's mission is 'Grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.'