Stateline Dairy and Ag Outlook Seminar Set for June 17: Understanding a Changing Industry

Apr 30, 2025

By Jennifer Bentley

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s annual Stateline Dairy and Ag Outlook Seminar will be held on Tuesday, June 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.at Empty Nest Winery, 1352 Apple Road, Waukon. The seminar aims to assist ag lenders and farm financial advisers in helping farmers manage risk and understand market outlooks.

"Price risk management continues to be a major variable for profitability in many commodity enterprises,” said Jennifer Bentley, dairy field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Understanding the ag markets and strategies to allow the next generation to continue farming is a necessary part of lender portfolio management.”

Seminar topics include:

Dairy Market Outlook: Matt Tranel, commodity broker/agent at Ever.Ag
Farm Transition Strategies: Nathan Hulinsky, extension educator – agriculture and business management, University of Minnesota Extension
Climate Outlook: Madelynn Wuestenberg, agriculture climatology specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach
Ag Market Outlook: Joseph Lensing, farm management specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach
Iowa Dairy Survey: Jennifer Bentley, dairy field specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach

The cost to attend is $75 for agricultural lenders and service providers and $25 for dairy and ag producers and students. Ag lenders and financial advisers are encouraged to invite and support their producers to attend the seminar. Pre-registration is required.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

In this episode, we’re sorting ewes into their breeding groups and introducing them to unrelated rams. Moving rams between barns always comes with challenges, but once the boys meet their ewes, everyone was eager to settle in!

We also welcome back a returning customer who purchased a Suffolk ram from us last year. This season, she chose a Dorset cross ram, now named Benny, to strengthen her flock’s genetics. It’s always rewarding to see repeat customers who value the quality of our breeding stock.

Arnie then tours the crop fields as harvest season approaches. Despite drought conditions this summer, the crops are looking surprisingly good. We close the day with evening feedings and one last look at the rams with their new breeding groups.

?? Join us daily for life on a working sheep farm, from flock management and breeding strategies to crops, chores, and the everyday rhythm of farm life.