I-29 Moo University to Hold Three Dairy Webinars In October

Oct 10, 2025

By Fred M. Hall

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series, in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will continue with three webinars on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Tuesday, Oct. 21, and Tuesday, Oct. 28, from noon to 1 p.m. CDT.

Producers and ag industry professionals are invited to learn about forage economics and strategies for small ruminants, robotic milking and bovine respiratory disease in the individual webinars. There is no cost to participate.

Oct. 14 webinar: Forage topics

The first webinar will be held in partnership with the Northern Plains Forage Association, featuring three forage-related presentations.

Jaelyn Whaley, extension sheep field specialist at South Dakota State University, will share nutrient requirements for sheep and goats and how to best utilize forages to meet those requirements. Whaley will also discuss targeted grazing, forage and parasites plus winter feeding.

Larry Tranel, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will discuss the economics of grazing heifers. Additionally, Paul McGill, owner and manager of Rock Valley Hay Auction, will share his insights on the future of the hay market and his perspective on the upcoming season.

Online registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar.

Registration hyperlink: https://go.iastate.edu/OCTOBER2025FORAGE

Oct. 21 webinar: Training heifers for robotic milking success

The second webinar will feature James Salfer, University of Minnesota Extension dairy educator, who will discuss strategies for training and pre-training heifers for robotic milking system success.

Salfer’s education program helps farmers and other industry professionals understand key factors driving dairy farm profitability and develop management strategies to improve profitability.

Participants will learn effective strategies and tips for successfully integrating heifers into robotic milking systems, including early exposure and positive reinforcement, as well as hands-on techniques to facilitate a smooth transition.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.