CHARITON, Iowa -- As interest in using hoop barns for calving continues to grow, so does the need to understand the unique management techniques necessary for this approach. Joe Sellers, extension beef specialist with Iowa State University, has scheduled an on-farm workshop to address this need.
“This workshop was planned as a result of discussions at some extension-led group meetings earlier this year in West Des Moines,” he said. “Members from both ‘Women Managing Cattle’ and ‘Start to Farm’ indicated their interest in learning more about this topic, and we went from there.”
The workshop will be held Tuesday, March 28, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Brewer Family Farm near Dallas Center. It will be hosted by Sellers and Brenda Brewer who will share their experiences and knowledge related to hoop barn calving.
“The Brewers will talk about how they manage calving in their hoop barn, the importance of maintaining health and nutrition, and incorporating calving genetics,” Sellers said. “Multiple uses of facilities is also on the agenda.”
The farm location is 19284 S Ave, Dallas Center, and Sellers said the workshop will be held outside and in the hoop barn, so attendees should dress appropriately.
Those interested in attending are asked to preregister by noon, March 27. For more information, ask about weather postponement, or preregister, contact Sellers by phone at 641-203-1270 or email him at sellers@iastate.edu, or call Joe Brewer at 515-669-5437.
This event is sponsored by Iowa Beef Center, ISU Extension and Outreach, and the Start to Farm project.