2013 Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference Focuses on Efficiency

OTTUMWA, Iowa ― The premier educational event in Iowa for cow-calf producers is offering a comprehensive package of information to attendees next month. The popular Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference has provided timely, accurate and important information to the state’s beef cattle industry for more than 40 years. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Byron Leu said this year’s conference, set for Jan. 19 at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, will continue that successful tradition.

“The Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference has been, and will continue to be, successful because it provides information and access to speakers that beef producers have come to expect,” Leu said. “The steering committee has put together a program with information people need to prepare for the coming year.”

The 2013 program focuses on a variety of topics designed to help producers recognize options and opportunities in a variety of areas based on past weather-related conditions. From feed and water options to cover crop possibilities, experts from universities and private industry in the Midwest will lead these sessions and offer producers valuable information to put into practice on their farms.

“Past NCBA president Steve Foglesong will talk about one man’s perspective on learning from past experiences; Rick Rasby from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present information on confinement feeding of beef cattle; and Glynn Tonsor from Kansas State University and Lee Schulz from Iowa State will provide a look into the future of the cattle industry,” Leu said. “Other speakers include Andrew Hansen from John Deere Ottumwa Works, Wyaconda, Mo., producer Kenneth Suter, and Iowa Beef Center director Dan Loy from Iowa State.”

There also are two panel discussions with individual focus on water-related topics and forage alternatives.

This year’s conference at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa begins with registration at 8 a.m. The official welcome is at 9:30 a.m., followed by two general session speakers and lunch and exhibit viewing. The afternoon begins with a salute to Al Seim and a general session speaker in the auditorium, followed by two break-out sessions with five choices. Admission is $15, which includes lunch and a copy of the conference proceedings. No preregistration is necessary. See and download the conference brochure at www.iowabeefcenter.org/events/2013CCCC.pdf.

IBC was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.

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