Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
7/30/04
Contacts:
Rachel E. Martin, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-9124, remartin@iastate.edu
Beth Weiser, Ag & Biosystems Engineering, (515) 294-0557, weiser@iastate.edu
Tom Richard, Ag & Biosystems Engineering, (515) 294-0465, tlr@iastate.edu
Beef Producers Can Explore Hoop Buildings at September Conference
AMES, Iowa -- Livestock producers can learn about the latest livestock systems technology and experience a virtual reality hoop structure at the upcoming National Conference on Hoop Barns and Bedded Systems for Livestock Production in Ames, Iowa.
Hoop buildings are attracting increasing attention for their low-capital cost, competitive returns, and flexibility. Recent innovations have expanded hoop production beyond the initial focus on swine finishing. Alternatives include providing shelter to dairy and beef cattle, sows and piglets, and other livestock systems.
"Hoops offer a low-cost solution to covered livestock confinement. Beef
producers needing to address new CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation)
runoff
containment concerns will want to give this option a close look," says
Tom Richard, assistant professor of agriculture and biosystems engineering
at Iowa State University.
The conference boasts a broad agenda, including remodeling of bedded systems,
how to budget for bedded livestock operations, hoop designs for beef, dairy,
and hogs, and interfacing hoops with conventional systems.
Among these and other topics, attendees can view a 'virtual reality' hoop structure demonstration, which will show the features and construction of a typical hoop building. Additionally, international guest speakers will discuss the success of hoops and other bedded systems in the Netherlands, Ukraine, Canada and Australia.
The conference will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the Gateway Inn and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa. For schedules, directions, and registration information about the conference, visit the conference Web site at http://www.abe.iastate.edu/ABLS/ or contact Beth Weiser at (515) 294-0557 or weiser@iastate.edu.
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