Program
Mark Hilton, Midwest Beef Cattle Consultants
While diseases like New World Screwworm and Foot and Mouth Disease capture the headlines, beef producers in the Midwest have a much higher risk of more common diseases like bovine respiratory disease, neonatal diarrhea, BVD and Johnes. How can you protect your herd from being exposed to these more common diseases?
Teresa Steckler, UI
There are many native tick species in the United States. While some years they create concern, they remained manageable. However, changing tick population dynamics and detection of Asian longhorned ticks, have created new troubles necessitating new management practices. This talk will delve into known data on Asian longhorned ticks, its movement, diseases transmitted and management recommendations.
Matt Spangler, UNL
Selecting for females with increased probability of success requires knowledge of production goals, environmental constraints, and currently available genetic selection tools. This talk will focus on identifying clear breeding objectives, currently available EPD and economic selection indexes focused on creating replacement females, and opportunities to refine selection decisions based on the unique circumstances of each producer.
Kellie Curry Raper, OSU
Discussion will center on recent research related to the impact of physical characteristics and calf health management decisions on the market value of feeder cattle. Related topics will include extended weaning, regional differences in market values of specific attributes, and how cattle buyers’ assess and value seller reputation in feeder cattle purchases.
Jack Smith, Region 3 NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award winner
In the family since 1853, the 100% no-till Smith Family Farms is located in the rolling hills of northeast Iowa. Jack will share his philosophy on stewardship, based on soil health, no-till, cover crops and cows.
Considerations when Feeding Cattle to Heavy Market Weights
Aimee Wertz-Lutz, Director Iowa Beef Center
This session will evaluate feeding, management, health, and handling considerations when feeding cattle to heavier market weights.
Proven Profit Tips for the Beef Cow-calf Producer
Mark Hilton, Midwest Beef Cattle Consultants
As a beef cow-calf veterinarian, consultant, and producer with over 40 years of experience, I have learned a great deal from other veterinarians, animal scientists, nutritionists, and excellent beef producers. We will examine numerous ideas and tips that should help you have a healthier herd and a more profitable beef business.
Genetics of Calving
Randie Culbertson
Selecting the right bull, or more accurately, the genetics you bring into your herd, is often highlighted as a key factor in reducing dystocia. But how significant is the influence of genetics on calving? Additionally, how can producers effectively use these genetics to select bulls or replacement heifers? This presentation will explore the impact of genetics on calving and explain the tools available to help decrease the incidence of dystocia.
Maximizing Value of Feedlot Manure,
Chris Baxter, a Professor and Specialist for UW-Madison Division of Extension
Manure is a valuable resource for crop production and environmental stewardship. Strategies for improving manure handling, storage, and application to retain nutrients and reduce losses will be discussed. Key topics include interpreting manure testing results, manure management planning, manure treatment/enhancement technologies, precision application, and economic benefits of nutrient recycling. Emphasis is placed on balancing soil fertility goals with environmental protection by minimizing nutrient losses and maximizing plant nutrient uptake. By viewing manure as a strategic asset rather than a disposal challenge, feedlot operators can enhance sustainability, reduce fertilizer costs, and improve the overall profitability of their operations.
Mycotoxins: Feeder cattle perspective and value to human food chain
Aimee Wertz-Lutz, Director Iowa Beef Center
This session will focus on ruminant aspects related to mycotoxins in feeds and address topics such as: Where do mycotoxins originate? How prevalent are they? How do they differ between forages, grains, and co-products? What value do ruminant animals bring in clearing mycotoxins from the human food chain? What mycotoxins are a concern to ruminants? How do I spot an issue with mycotoxins and how do I manage it from a feeding perspective?
Interseeding sudangrass into perennial pasture
Beth Reynolds
A three-year study evaluated the viability of interseeding sudangrass into a perennial pasture paddock that was used as a “sacrifice paddock” in early spring and overgrazed. Producers in three locations interseeded two plots each year using two different seeding rates. In addition to forage yield, forage quality, ground cover, and basic soil properties were observed over the years to assess a longer-term impact of interseeding the pasture. By collecting data over three years, the growth observed is reflective of significant drought conditions in 2023 as well as adequate moisture conditions in 2025. The project was funded by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee.
Modulating silage fermentation to minimize losses and undesired microorganisms
Luiz Ferraretto
This presentation will discuss the importance of silage management to reduce losses during storage. Moreover, it will discuss the issues associated with yeast counts and how to mitigate this issue
Iowa Beef Center Cow Repro Tool Kit
Randie Culbertson
The Iowa Beef Center has created an educational program for producers focused on beef reproduction, specifically artificial insemination (AI) and strategies to enhance reproductive efficiency through hands-on learning. This program offers an interactive learning environment using the Bovine Breeder™ AI Simulator, which is specifically designed for teaching artificial insemination techniques. The program serves as a “refresher course” for producers on reproduction and AI.
Cattle Market Outlook
Brenda Boetel, UW
No significant heifer retention in 2025 is keeping cattle inventory low and prices high. How long will cattle prices continue to increase? This session will dive into the 2026 cattle outlook and what producers can do to position themselves for the future.
Beef Quality Assurance