AMES, Iowa – Iowa cow-calf producers will have five opportunities during November to learn about reproductive efficiency and investigate a new approach to managing heifers. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Patrick Wall said the meetings set for Nov. 17-21 will cover selecting the right genetics, right heifer and right bull to achieve individual herd goals.
"The proper timing and attention to detail for a successful A.I. program will also be vetted including age, implants, stress, nutrition, handling, synch protocols and health," he said. "Attendees will also have the opportunity to enroll their 2017 heifer calf crop in the Iowa Cowmaker Elite program at the conclusion of the meeting."
Series locations, dates, times
- Friday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pizza Ranch, Creston
- Friday, Nov. 17, 4 - 7 p.m. – ISU Extension and Outreach Guthrie County Office, Guthrie Center
- Monday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – McNay Research Farm, Chariton
- Tuesday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – ISU Extension and Outreach Jones County Office, Monticello
- Tuesday, Nov. 21, 5 - 8 p.m. – ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County Office, Washington
There's no fee to attend and several meetings will conclude with tours of cooperating heifer development locations.
“We need our cows to celebrate more birthdays in order to enhance profitability and limit depreciation expense,” Wall said. “The Iowa Cowmaker Elite program is designed to help producers select and manage heifers to stay in the herd past age 8, and ensure that their daughters do, too.”
These meetings will feature Dr. Sandy Johnson of Kansas State University who will cover two topics: the attention to detail necessary to achieve a top-notch heifer development program, and use of The Management Minder, a calendar tool used to help producers achieve proper timing when managing heifers.
“The Minder is incredibly easy to use and especially useful for producers who want to manage their heifers for the Iowa Cowmaker Elite program at home,” Wall said.
For additional information, visit the Iowa Cowmaker Elite web page or contact Wall by email or phone at 515-450-7665.