Workshop to Help Cattle Producers Plan for Successful Breeding Season

Event to focus on the value of reproductive efficiency

March 21, 2023, 8:57 am | Erika Lundy-Woolfolk

GUTHRIE CENTER, Iowa — Research has consistently shown that calves born earlier in the season are more profitable. To help beef producers optimize the potential for getting more females bred earlier, the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University and Select Sires are partnering on a breeding season workshop set for April 13.

The program will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Building at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, 402 W State St., Guthrie Center. The workshop is free to attend, and pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

Beef cattle on pasture.Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist for southwest Iowa, is coordinating the workshop and said attendees will benefit from classroom presentations and hands-on opportunities.

“The workshop will address taking advantage of available technologies, production information, and best management practices to positively impact overall reproductive success,” she said.

The program includes the following classroom style presentation topics and speakers:

  • Utilizing Reproductive Technologies to Improve Efficiency – Burke Suckow, Select Sires.
  • The Genetics of Reproduction – Randie Culbertson, ISU Extension and Outreach cow-calf specialist.
  • Maximizing Herd Bull Care – Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist.

Over the lunch hour, several hands-on stations will be available for attendees to build on their existing knowledge base at their own pace, and to seek one-on-one guidance from speakers and sponsors.

The stations will include semen handling, nitrogen tank care, Iowa State Estrus Synch planner usage and exploring reproductive technologies. There will also be a discussion on reproductive herd health led by Guthrie County Veterinary Services. See the workshop flyer for more information.

The workshop is free, including a noon meal, thanks to sponsorship of Select Sires and ISU Extension and Outreach Guthrie County. Walk-ins are welcome, although pre-registration is strongly encouraged by April 11 to ensure adequate meals and supplies. Register by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Guthrie County office at 641-747-2276 or emailing Erika at ellundy@iastate.edu.

Shareable photo: Beef cattle on pasture.

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