CHARITON, Iowa – The Iowa State University (ISU) McNay Research Farm will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on Sept. 14 with a field day that focuses on forage and pasture management.
“We will be celebrating the rich history of the McNay farm, but also sharing today’s research with beef producers,” says Joe Sellers, ISU Extension livestock specialist.
Beef producers and the general public are invited to attend the celebration which begins at 10 a.m. Some of the activities and exhibits include a display of different fencing technologies by Gallagher Fencing Systems, represented by Neil Whetstone, and a research plot demonstrating Canada thistle and brush control by Dow AgroSciences, represented by Jane Hansen. The presentations are part of the Rathbun Lake Special Project.
Additionally, Dennis Maxwell, McNay herd manager, will discuss pasture weaning techniques and ISU displays of stockpile grazing and a history of beef cattle production in Iowa.
The Lucas County Cattlemen are serving steak sandwiches and homemade ice cream at noon. Following the luncheon, a short program will include comments from Wendy Wintersteen, dean, College of Agriculture, ISU, and a video history about the farm. The farm was established after Harry McNay and his sister, Winnie, donated 480 acres in 1956. Research at the farm has primarily focused on cattle, sheep, forage and crops.
To get to the McNay Research and Demonstration Farm, go south four miles on Highway 65 from the intersection of Highways 65 and 34, then 2.5 miles east on a gravel road and turn north one-quarter of a mile. The main buildings are located on the west side of the road.
To reduce the risk of spreading diseases to livestock, visitors are asked to observe a precautionary five-day waiting period if they have recently arrived in the United States or have returned from a trip abroad.
For more information about the field day, contact Sellers at (641) 774-2016 or sellers@iastate.edu, or visit the Calendar page at www.iowabeefcenter.org.
--30--