April 13 event will focus on value of reproductive efficiency
Research has consistently shown that calves born earlier in the season are more profitable. To help beef producers optimize the potential for getting more females bred earlier, the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University and Select Sires are partnering on a breeding season workshop set for Thursday, April 13.
The program will be held in the Event Center at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, 402 W State Street, Guthrie Center, from 11 am to 3 pm. The workshop is free to attend, and pre-registration is encouraged but not required.
Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist for southwest Iowa, is coordinating the workshop and said attendees will benefit from classroom presentations and hands-on opportunities.
“The workshop will address taking advantage of available technologies, production information, and best management practices to positively impact overall reproductive success,” she said.
The program includes the following classroom style presentation topics and speakers:
Utilizing Reproductive Technologies to Improve Efficiency – Burke Suckow, Select Sires.
The Genetics of Reproduction – Randie Culbertson, ISU Extension and Outreach cow-calf specialist.
Maximizing Herd Bull Care – Lundy-Woolfolk.
Over the lunch hour, several hands-on stations will be available for attendees to build on their existing knowledge base at their own pace, and to seek one-on-one guidance from speakers and sponsors.
The stations will include semen handling, nitrogen tank care, Iowa State Estrus Synch planner usage and exploring reproductive technologies. There will also be a discussion on reproductive herd health led by Guthrie County Veterinary Services.
The workshop is free, including a noon meal, thanks to sponsorship of Select Sires and ISU Extension and Outreach Guthrie County. Walk-ins are welcome, although pre-registration is strongly encouraged by Tuesday, April 11, to ensure adequate meals and supplies. Register by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Guthrie County office at 641-747-2276 or emailing Erika at ellundy@iastate.edu.
