Northeast Iowa Pasture Walk to Focus on Fall Management and Weaning Strategies

Sep 19, 2024

By Joshua Michel and Denise Schwab

Fall is a busy time of the year with harvest and field operations. But attention should also be given to pastures and cattle management. Lenth Herefords, outside of Postville, has developed a system of properly managing their pastures while caring for their herd of Hereford cattle, and Iowa State University Extension field agronomist Josh Michel said an upcoming pasture walk is a good way for people to see what's been done.

“This free event is a great opportunity for area producers and cattlemen to learn about fall management considerations for forages," he said, "You'll also learn some cattle management strategies that have been proven to be successful on the Lenth farm.”

Owned and operated by Doug and Marilyn Lenth, Lenth Herefords is located at 13690 130th St., Postville. The Lenths will be joined by Michel, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist Denise Schwab, and ISU Extension and Outreach small ruminant outreach specialist Carolyn Ihde. The pasture walk is set for Oct. 9, beginning at 1 p.m. After a brief overview of the farm operations, attendees will tour the pastures where ISU Extension and Outreach staff will discuss agronomic, grazing and cattle management strategies. The tour will conclude by 4 p.m.

While walk-in registrations are accepted, attendees are asked to preregister by Oct. 8, to assist with space accommodations and notifications in the event of weather-related changes. To register, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Clayton County office by email or phone at 563-245-1451. For more information, please contact Michel by phone at 563-581-7828 or Schwab by phone at 319-472-4739.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.