WEST AMANA, Iowa – Cattlemen and other open feedlot producers in eastern Iowa are invited to a field day to address environment and water quality issues on Sept. 20.

The field day will be held at the Amana Farms Feedlot west of West Amana from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

 “This field day is designed to bring all the resources that can help producers evaluate their current operation and identify ways to improve their lots,” says John Lawrence, director of the Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University. “From planning an open feedlot to funding improvements and maintenance tips, we should have something for everyone.”

Lawrence added that there is a lot of interest in expanding feedlots and in improving feedlot design to improve cattle performance and environmental protection.  This field day will include a tour of the Amana Farms feedlot featuring their solid settling basins and application system.

Iowa State University Extension in Iowa County, the Iowa Beef Center and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are sponsoring the meeting.

In addition to the feedlot tour, other topics include site planning and technical advice with Greg Brenneman, ISU Extension engineer; feedlot design, operation and maintenance with John Lawrence, Iowa Beef Center director; funding and financing sources with Steve Johnson, Iowa County NRCS director; and Department of Natural Resources expectations with Rick Martens, Iowa DNR environmental specialist.

For more information contact Denise Schwab in the Iowa County Extension office, (319) 642-5504.

- 30 -