LEWIS, Iowa – Beef producers have a chance to visit four southwest Iowa feedlots during a day-long tour on Tuesday, Aug. 15. The tour is sponsored by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and begins at 10 a.m. at ISU’s Armstrong Research Farm, and will continue to three additional operations.

“This is a great opportunity for producers to observe different strategies and techniques in place at the Armstrong Farm, J. W. Freund Farms, Clan Farms and Rolling B Farms.  All farms have different systems in place for runoff control, housing, pen layout and fencing,” says Darrell Busby, ISU Extension beef specialist.

The four host sites will demonstrate runoff control systems for operations under 1,000 head, over 1,000 head, and differences in topography, as well as differences in housing systems, including total confinement in a hoop building, open lots with sheds both over the bunk and bunks not covered, open lots with no overhead shelter and bedded versus unbedded lots.

In addition, differences in pen layouts will be highlighted, including pens with and without mounds, shade, sprinklers, east- and south-facing buildings and open lots sloping in four directions.

“Our host producers will talk about what works for them, and even the things they’d like to change at their operation,” adds Busby.

Producers are welcome to begin the tour at 10 a.m. at the Armstrong Research Farm near Lewis, or can join the tour at their convenience. For more information, agenda or directions, contact Darrell Busby or Shawn Shouse, ISU Extension specialists, at (712) 769-2600 or visit the Calendar page at www.iowabeefcenter.org. 

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