The premier educational event cow-calf producers in Iowa is offering a comprehensive package of information to attendees next month. The popular Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference has provided timely, accurate and important information to the state’s beef cattle industry for more than 40 years. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Patrick Wall said the 2019 conference, set for Jan. 26 at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, will continue that successful tradition.
“Since Mother Nature seems to have been off her meds in southeast Iowa the last two growing seasons, this year’s Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference will try to address several local challenges to profitability,” Wall said. “In July, the leading topic was obviously drought, but by September flooding grabbed the headlines!” The conference will again offer free admission and will be preceded by the KIIC Farm Show on Friday afternoon prior to the conference.”
The 2019 program targets a variety of topics designed to help producers of all ages and production goals. The keynote speaker will be Burke Teichert addressing farm and ranch financial management.
“Our four general sessions will open up with Bob Weaber approaching genetic selection for feed efficiency of cows, followed by Teichert, then Ron McDaniel will take us to lunch with some cowboy poetry. It never hurts to have a little humor during challenging times,” Wall said. “Another highlight will occur over the lunch hour as producers will have a chance to interact with newly elected Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig. The afternoon general session is also a must-see when Tom Noffsinger will offer an extended two-hour session on low stress cattle handling techniques.”
Afternoon break-out sessions will include Katy Lippolis, Iowa State University cow-calf specialist talking about meeting cattle requirements with forage resources; Nathan Mathernach, producer speaker discussing cover crops and annual forages in a grazing system; Jeff Mathias, NRCS state grasslands specialist exploring water systems and eqip opportunities for cattle producers; and Mike Downey with is presentation on next generation ag advocates—farm transitioning.
Doors will open for this year’s conference and trade show at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa promptly at 8 a.m. The official welcome is at 9 a.m., followed by three general session speakers, then lunch and exhibit viewing. The afternoon general session begins at 1 p.m. with Tom Noffsinger and break-out sessions begin at 2:15 p.m. with two repeating time blocks of four choices. Again, admission is free, and includes a copy of the show guide and conference proceedings. No preregistration is necessary. Additional information will be available at www.cornbeltcowcalf.com.
