Updated Feedlot Monitor Software To Be Introduced At Sac City Workshop

Nov 12, 2014

By Beth Doran, Sherry Hoyer

Cattle producers and agribusiness staff are invited to a workshop featuring the newly updated version of the Feedlot Monitoring Program software. The workshop will be Thursday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office in Sac County. The office address is 620 Park Avenue, Sac City.

ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Beth Doran said the workshop will help both experienced users and those who've never used it to learn more about the software.

“The new program allows individual animal monitoring and projections, which are major changes from older FMP software,” Doran said. "Other new features include the tracking of drug inventories and treatment protocols, and the incorporation of environmental records to help an operation meet current reporting requirements."

The workshop instructor is Garland Dahlke, computer specialist for the Iowa Beef Center and developer of the new software version.

"All participants will use an Iowa State computer and are not required to buy the software in order to attend," said Doran. "However, participants may bring their own computer if they wish to purchase and install the new version and transfer their existing data files into the new version."

Source:iastate.edu

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.