ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- Cattle feeders and agri-business professionals are invited to Feedlot Forum 2015 on Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center. The forum runs 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The forum features timely presentations on changes affecting northwest Iowa feedlot producers and includes a trade show displaying new products and services in animal health, cattle nutrition, manure management, beef facilities and livestock equipment.
“The beef industry is undergoing a lot of change – ag policy, corn coproducts, cattle welfare and market prices. This year’s forum will address major changes directly impacting feedlot producers,” said Beth Doran, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist.
Kristina Butts, executive director of legislative affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, will lead with a discussion surrounding ag policy and federal regulations impacting feedlot producers. She will share an update on major issues, such as the Farm Bill and waters of the United States.
Matt Deppe, chief executive officer for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, will present a brief update on issues pertaining specifically to Iowa producers.
Erika Lundy, graduate student with the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State, will present the results from research involving new corn coproducts and their feed value. Because corn coproducts on the market today have been further refined, they contain differing levels of oil and protein than was previously available.
Big changes are on the horizon for beef cattle welfare, too. Hans Coetzee, associate professor of ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Production Animal Medicine, will talk about the use of anesthetics and analgesics to mitigate pain associated with common practices such as dehorning and castration.
In 2014, cattle producers witnessed historically high prices for feeder and market-ready cattle. Andrew Gottschalk, owner of Hedgers Edge and senior vice president for R.J. O’Brien and Associates, will explain where cattle prices have been and project where they might be headed.
Source: Iowa State University Extension