Dairy Beef Short Course set for March 21
The 2024 I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is scheduled for March 21 as part of the finale for the Central Plains Dairy Expo. It will be held in the auditorium of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The focus of this years’ program is economics, marketing opportunities and genetics.
“We have national leaders in their fields presenting this year,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “They will definitely make it worth your trip to Sioux Falls. Their knowledge will be of benefit to all dairy beef producers.”
Topic presenters
“Dairy Beef Industry Outlook” with Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University. Peel’s presentation will cover the current cattle supply and demand fundamentals and expectations for prices, production, and cattle inventories for 2024 and beyond. He will also include interactions between the beef and dairy sectors in the broader beef market.
“Beef on Dairy Economics: Results of a Video Auction Analysis” with Ken Odde, Kansas State University. Odde’s presentation will cover the results of a video auction analysis of dairy x beef calves.
The objective was to determine the value of Holstein feeder steer lots compared with steer lots of other breed descriptions. Plus the value of beef x dairy cross weaned steer calves compared with either Holstein weaned calves or weaned calves of other breed descriptions. Also the value of beef x dairy cross weaned steers and heifers compared with weaned steers and heifers of other beef breed descriptions sold through video auctions.
“Genetic Considerations for a More Valuable Calf” with Bob Weaber, Kansas State University. Optimization of the value of calves produced in beef x dairy crossing systems requires careful consideration. Dairy cattle breeds bring differing strengths and levels of performance for economically important carcass and production traits. These differences should influence the genetic merit requirement of the selected beef service sires.
Weaber will discuss how selection of beef service sires that complement these attributes, especially ribeye area, red meat yield and carcass weight, is critical for dairy producers and other downstream partners to realize the added value and sustainability of the matings.
“How Do Dairy Based Cattle Fit into Value-Based Markets?” with Lauren Kimble, Select Sires. Intertwining research findings and industry data, this presentation investigates how the increased volume of beef x dairy cattle in the market has molded trends and mindsets from the dairy producer to the packer, and everything in between. These insights can help dairy producers to participate more effectively in a dynamic and value-driven beef market.
Q&A planned
There will also be a morning and afternoon Q & A session moderated by Warren Rusche from South Dakota State University.
Registration fee is $70 per adult plus $15 if a printed copy of the proceedings is desired. College students may register for a discounted rate of $20. A lunch will be provided.
To register, visit https://go.iastate.edu/24DBSC or mail the registration fee with your contact information and any dietary restrictions to Fred Hall at 400 Central Ave., NW, Suite 700, Orange City, IA 51041. Preregistration deadline is March 8.
If attendees also plan to attend the Central Plains Dairy Expo, they should register for that in advance at https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/registration/.
