Workshops on Winter Feeding Basics for Cow Herds scheduled in Iowa

The dry growing conditions of 2022 and 2023 have led to supply and quality issues of hay and other forages in some areas of the state. Cattlemen may be faced with a short supply of hay, corn silage with the potential for nitrates, and poor pastures that resulted in stored hay being fed most of the summer. Unfortunately, tight hay supplies will likely lead to higher prices later in the winter feeding period, according to Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab.

“Controlling feed cost while meeting all of the cow’s nutrient requirements requires knowledge of both the feed supply and the animal’s requirements,” Schwab said. “ISU extension beef specialists have developed a series of workshops to help producers plan for their beef cow winter feeding programs.”

At each location, beef specialists will discuss the current hay situation, the impacts of the dry conditions on forage quality, potential toxicity concerns, and balancing cow rations in late gestation and early lactation. Topics and speakers will vary by location, so check with the site preferred for attendance for information specific to that location.

Workshop dates and times for the most local locations are as follows. Please pre-register by calling the host county Extension office at the phone number listed for that site.
• November 27, 6:30 p.m., North Iowa Fair 4-H Center,  Mason City, 641-231-1711
• November 29, 6:30 p.m., NERF Borlaug Center, Nashua, 641-231-1711
• December 5, 6:30 p.m., Jones County Extension Office, Monticello, 319-465-3224
 
All cattle producers are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact the local ISU extension office or beef specialist.