Business : Something for everyone at the 52nd annual Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference

Attendance is free for the two-day conference in Ottumwa. The Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference is set for January 26, 2024.

The premier educational event in Iowa for cow-calf producers has been set for Jan. 26-27, 2024, at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Patrick Wall said this year's Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference will appeal to all kinds of beef enthusiasts, while staying true to the educational focus on topics relevant to Iowa's beef industry.

"Producers are never short on challenges, even when prices are good. This year's program is a mix of experience, science, niche marketing, and application, all of which are relevant to the upper Midwest," Wall said.

The conference will again offer free admission and be preceded by the KIIC Farm Show on Friday afternoon prior to the conference. Doors will open for this year's conference and trade show at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa promptly at 3 p.m. on Friday and close at 7 p.m.

Doors open on Saturday at 8 a.m. The official welcome at 9 a.m., followed by three general sessions, lunch, and trade show exhibit viewing. The afternoon general session begins at 1 p.m. with MERCK in the theater, then break-out sessions begin at 2 p.m. with two repeating time blocks of four choices.

The 2024 program targets a variety of topics designed to help producers of all ages and production goals. The keynote speaker will be Brian McCulloh, an Iowa native who will summarize his 40 years of experience in breeding, managing, and marketing cattle.

"The morning will open with Iowa State Extension's cow-calf specialist, Dr. Randie Culbertson," Wall said. "Dr. Shelby Gruss, Iowa State's new forage agronomist will then take the stage to help producers maximize pasture productivity. The afternoon general session is sponsored by MERCK Animal Health, and it will address ear tag technology, and how to apply what's new to your operation."

Afternoon break-out sessions will offer a wide variety of topics.

• Jesse Steffensmeier will address how his operation has utilized high-marbling genetics from Wagyu/Akaushi breeds.
• Dr. Shelby Gruss will cover annual forages and how they can be implemented in Iowa.
• Dr. Garland Dahlke will talk about swath grazing. As this research continues, he will address what they have learned through more challenging rainfall conditions.
• Wall will help producers address hay shortages and how to implement alternative winter feeding programs.

Again, admission is FREE both Friday and Saturday, a copy of the show guide and conference proceedings is available at the door. No preregistration is necessary. Additional information will be available at www.cornbeltcowcalf.com.