ICA Iowa Cattlemen Association : Upcoming Cow/Calf and Feedlot Forums

Date: 1/2/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: Upcoming Cow/Calf and Feedlot Forums

Iowa Cattlemen's Association to hold educational forums

Each year, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) holds free or low-cost educational events around the state to help cattlemen and women improve their operations

The events will also feature an ICA Listening Session. 'It's important that we get as much input from our members as possible, so we can ensure that we are working on the issues that matter to them,' says JanLee Rowlett, ICA's government relations manager.

Cow/Calf Forum

A free seminar for cow/calf producers in southern Iowa will be held on January 12 in Osceola. The speakers at this year's Cow/Calf Forum will focus on pasture management and commercial bull buying strategies. The events will also include a question and answer session with area veterinarians, an update on state and national checkoff programs, and an opportunity for producers to share concerns with ICA staff.

Any cattle producers or dairy producers are welcome to attend the event, which is free of charge and includes a meal. Producers need not be members of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association to attend.

Osceola Cow-Calf Forum

Thursday, January 12, 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Clarke County 4-H Event Center

2070 W McIane St

Osceola, IA 50213

RSVP by Wednesday, January 11 to 515.296.2266 or [e-mail]

Feedlot Forums

Feedlot Forums, educational events for feedlot operators, will be held in Sioux Center and Carroll the next week.

The Feedlot Forums will cover topics important to Iowa's cattlemen and women. 'Producers always want to know what to expect from the cattle markets, so there will be a market outlook at each event,' says Merle Witt, Iowa Cattlemen's Association Western Iowa Membership Coordinator. 'We'll also talk about international markets, because we know that trade has a big impact on the prices we see for cattle in Iowa.'

The first Feedlot Forum, held in partnership with ISU Extension, will take place on January 16 in Sioux Center. Topics covered include a domestic and international markets for beef, how to respond to a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, and the 2016 National Beef Quality Audits. Registration for the Sioux Center Feedlot Forum is $25 per person, with a special reduced rate of $10 for students. Registration includes a steak dinner and $10 beef certificate. Register at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office by Jan. 11. For more information, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office at 712-737-4230.

On January 17, another Feedlot Forum will be held in Carroll at the Carrollton Inn from 9:00 - 3:00. Topics there will also be timely and important to the future success of Iowa's feedlot producers. Markets, trade, the beef checkoff, and cattle buildings will all be discussed, in addition to an ICA listening session.

The Carroll event is free of charge and includes lunch. RSVP by Friday, January 13 to 515.296.2266 or [e-mail].

Later events

ICA will also host three Feedlot Forums in eastern Iowa in March, as well as regional BeefMeets throughout the state this summer. Pasture walks and grazing seminars are also planned. These events are all part of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association's mission to grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.

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About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Iowa Cattlemen's Association represents nearly 10,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa's beef industry. ICA's mission is 'Grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.'