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Future production decisions focus of ICA Cow-Calf/Feedlot Forum
Keeping Iowa at the forefront of beef production is the goal of an educational program for both cow-calf producers and cattle feeders that will be held Feb. 8 at the Van Meter Feedyards near Guthrie Center. This Cow/Calf-Feedlot Forum, which is tied to the Iowa Cattlemen's Association Carcass Challenge, will run from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. There is no charge for the program and meal, but reservations are needed, and can be made by calling 515-296-2266.
"One of the questions I get a lot from cow-calf producers is "What type of bull would work best for me?" said Matt Deppe, ICA CEO. "Finding the right bull is crucial regardless if you're focused on fast growth, productive feeders or producing quality replacement heifers," he said.
Herd sires bring a whole list of production and marketing qualities to a herd, but deciding which factors to focus on depends on what you need from your herd. Wes Tiemann, the regional manager for the American Angus Association, will speak at the morning session on Evaluating Your Needs when Selecting a Herd Sire. With his background in animal science and livestock judging, as well as a stint with the American Simmental Association, Tiemann will talk about using data and phenotypes to get the herd sire that will add merit to the cattle enterprise strategy.
The afternoon session will focus on technology use in the feedyard. Dr. Nathan Pyatt, a technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health, will discuss Benchmarking Feedyard Results for Economic Improvement and Cattle Feed Efficiency Improvement-Managing Differently with Higher Costs. Pyatt will show producers how to compare their benchmark results to other facilities within the state and region.
Also speaking in the afternoon is Scott Hansen, also of Elanco Animal Health. He will talk about Packer and Consumer Acceptance of Feeding Technology.
"Feedyard managers across the U.S. are looking for new opportunities to enhance feed efficiency and lower production costs. The optimum use of existing feedyard technologies plays a key role in helping feeders drive these production costs lower. Consumers and cattle-feeders both win as cattlemen continue the trend of producing more pounds of quality beef, with fewer input costs," said Deppe.
During the forum, producers will also have an opportunity to see the progress of the 50 steers in the ICA Carcass Challenge, as well as sort through consignment bulls and heifers that on on-test for the three upcoming ICA bull and heifer sales.
Apply to become a member of the YCLP 2012 class
The Iowa Cattlemen's Association is taking applications for the Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program through Feb. 20. The application for this program that builds leadership for the Iowa cattle industry and ICA can be downloaded.
Those selected for the YCLP program will meet four times in the coming year to learn about and discuss topics such as board leadership, governance of ICA and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, communications, legislative processes and the beef industry.
The first meeting will be held in mid-April, and the focus will be on ICA governance and how policy is developed for the organization. A trip to the Iowa Capitol will give participants a hands-on opportunity to talk with legislators, as well as Governor Terry Branstad and leadership at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
In June, the group will hold its second meeting to learn more about production and technology issues in the beef industry. The group will visit a large feedyard, and are tentatively schedule to take a tour of the Tyson beef plant in Denison. There will also be plans made to recruit steers for the second year of the ICA Carcass Challenge.
The third meeting will be held in September. During that meeting, the group will learn more about leadership engagement, including communication skills; as well as see technology use in ultrasound, DNA technology, and the use of ethanol co-products in a cow-calf operation.
The final meeting of the YCLP group will be at the ICA Annual meeting in December, which will be held at Prairie Meadows. This will give participants a chance to work within the ICA structure on policy development, as well as networking.
Throughout the year, YCLP members will be connected through regular emails about other key topics in ICA and the beef industry.
The application for YCLP asks potential participants to explain why they are interested in participating in YCLP, as well as explaining their goals and giving their vision of the cattle industry.
If you have questions about the program, or would like an application mailed to you, contact Trent Wellman at trent@iabeef.org, or call 515-296-2266.
YCLP is sponsored by ICA with funding provided by the Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation and members of the ICA President's Council.
ICA mission, strategic plan
ICA’s mission is ‘Grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.’
The strategic priorities and the goals of each are:
- Represent ICA Members
Goal: Be the definitive voice of the Iowa beef industry.
- Have a Legislative and Regulatory Presence
Goal: Influence the outcome of government actions to the most positive outcome for cattle producers.
- Support Leadership Development of Members
Goal: Strengthen the leadership capacity of ICA members with a special emphasis on developing young leaders.
- Provide Staff Support to County Affiliates
Goal: Develop tools and training for county affiliates to effectively implement local activities.
- Review Governance Structure
Goal: Assure association governance is representative of members while maintaining effective and efficient operations.
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Iowa cattle interests encouraging heifer development
The Iowa Cattlemen's Association, along with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Beef Center are working together to host nine Heifer Development Clinics in January and February.
As a result of drought in southern states last year and increased beef demand, the U.S. cow herd is at its lowest level since 1973. "We anticipate that beef demand around the world will continue," says Ross Havens, ICA President. "With growing demand and a diminished cow herd, the need for heifer development and retention has increased. The genetic improvements in beef quality, marbling, and feed efficiency make today's replacement heifers even more valuable than in the past."
Discussion at the meetings will cover several technologies that can help increase the productivity and longevity of heifers. Topics include nutrition, management, development budgets, health, synchronization recommendations, bull selection and ultrasound pregnancy evaluation.
The specifics of meetings are listed below. Meetings are being sponsored by local, state, national and international businesses that support cattle farmers. Please call the number shown to register about a week before the event as meals will be provided at all locations.
Feb. 6 - Spencer, Clay County Regional Events Center on Clay County Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 712-262-2264. (Snow date Feb. 8)
Feb. 7 - Postville, Postville Vet Clinic. Noon to 4 p.m. Call 319-472-4739.
Feb. 7 - Richland, Keokuk County (formerly Richland) Veterinary Clinic. 6 p.m. Call 641-472-4166.
Feb. 7 - Stuart, Stuart Vet Clinic, 6 p.m. Call 641-203-1270.
Feb. 9. Chariton, ISU McNay farm, 6 p.m. Call 641-203-1270.
Feb. 9. Maquoketa, Jackson County Extension office. Noon to 4 p.m. Call 319-472-4739.
Feb. 9. Bloomfield, Bloomfield Livestock Auction. 6 p.m. Call 641-472-4166.
ICA selects lobbyists for 2012
Policy issues that must be implemented through the Iowa Legislature, will be shepherded through that process by the lobbyists that will work for ICA during the 2012 session. They are Troy Skinner and Kellie Paschke, who work as Skinner & Paschke, PLLC. The two have extensive experience as Iowa Statehouse lobbyists.
Skinner, a native of Palmer, IA, has been involved in drafting and enactment of many comprehensive bills, spanning several industries. He assisted Pioneer Hybrid in developing and advancing the Iowa Power Fund, and has worked closely with interested stakeholders to advance a comprehensive renewable fuels bill.
He received his undergraduate degree in business from the University of Iowa, and his law degree from Creighton University.
Paschke, a native of Wyoming, has worked as a research analyst for the Iowa House Republican Caucus staff, which provided her extensive experience and knowledge of state budgeting practices and funding responsibilities. She also served three years as the primary lobbyist for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, where she represented the association before the DNR, EPC and IDALS.
Both Skinner and Paschke are full-time at the Capitol during the legislative session. They also will assist ICA with grassroots educational efforts and input on administrative rules that might affect cattle producers.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 1-4 2012 Cattle Industry Ann. Conv.
Feb. 12-18 Iowa Beef Expo
Northwest Iowa Precondition Sales
Green or Gold Tag sales
Algona (all sales being at 11 a.m.):
Feb. 10
Spencer (all sales being at 1 p.m.):
Feb. 1, Feb. 29
Sheldon (all sales being at 12 p.m.):
Feb. 4
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