Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
12/10/04
Contacts:
Daryl Strohbehn, Iowa State University, (515) 294-3020, stroh@iastate.edu
Rachel E. Martin, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-9124, remartin@iastate.edu
Iowa Beef Center to Host Commercial Bull Clinics
AMES, Iowa -- The commercial bull selection process continues to be one of the most important decisions made in a beef operation. Producers, however, can find themselves overwhelmed with the abundance of expected progeny differences (EPDs) and gene markers as they try to find the right bull to fit into their existing herd, or as they work to enhance their herd to meet market demands. As a result, the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University (ISU) is hosting Iowa Bull Clinics: Selection Decisions 2005 at eight locations throughout the state during January and February.
The meetings will address three questions: What kind of cattle should be produced in the next 3 to 5 years? How and when should DNA and gene markers be used? How do I target the right EPDs for bull selection?
"With the proliferation of new EPDs, many producers are struggling with which ones mean the most in their breeding programs," said Daryl Strohbehn, professor of animal science at ISU. "Participants will focus on developing breeding program goals and selection directions for their own herds and strategies to reach those goals. We hope that a new computer sire sort program developed by the Iowa Beef Center will help producers in the selection process," Strohbehn concluded.
Dates and locations are as follows:
Jan. 12: The Pinicon Restaurant, New Hampton, 11 a.m.
Jan. 18: Angus Room, Cronk's Restaurant, Denison, 1 p.m. (12:30 registration)
Jan. 19: Clay Co. Regional Events Center (Fairgrounds), Spencer, 12:45 p.m.
Jan. 24: Armstrong Learning Center, near Lews, 1:15 p.m.
Jan. 25: Union County Extension, Creston, 1 p.m.
Jan. 26: Kinfolks' Restaurant, Attica, 1 p.m.
Feb. 8: Hurtsville Nature Center, Maquoketa, 1 p.m.
Feb. 10: Washington, (location TBA), 7 p.m.
Registration will be at the door. For more information, visit the Iowa Beef Center's Web site at www.iowabeefcenter.org, or contact your local ISU Extension beef specialist.
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