The calendar year will soon be ending, but important decisions for cow-calf producers are just beginning. To help with information for those decisions, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer two outlook meetings in northwest Iowa on Nov. 29.

“The year 2024 will challenge producers,” said Beth Doran, ISU extension beef specialist who is planning the meetings. “Nutrition, health and marketing are very different from the norm, and we'll have a presenter on each of these topics at the meetings.” 

Doran will discuss how drought has affected the nutritional quality of this year’s feedstuffs and factors to consider when developing rations. 

A local veterinarian will present on health. Jared Bruhn, DVM at Valley Veterinary Center, will speak at Holstein, and Mark Rees, DVM at Animal Medical Centers will speak at Spencer. Both will visit about emerging health issues including cryptosporidiosis, Johne’s Disease, and Mycoplasma bovis. 

Lee Schulz, ISU extension livestock economist, will share information on market outlook cattle in 2024 and on two financial decisions: whether to sell or retain calves for feeding, and the economics of buying or raising replacements.

The meeting flyer has details for both locations.

Meeting times and locations are as follows:

There is no cost to attend either meeting, but registration is required by Nov. 27 for both.  For the Holstein location, please RSVP to 712-225-6196 and for the Spencer location, please RSVP to 712-262-2264. For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or [email protected].

These two meetings are among a series running from Nov. 20 through Dec. 13 at different locations around Iowa. Each has topics and speakers to address concerns specific to that geographical area.