Iowa Ag Connection - Beef Feedlot Assessment Field Days in Akron and Spencer

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Beef Feedlot Assessment Field Days in Akron and Spencer
Iowa Ag Connection - 06/30/2016

Beef producers in northwest Iowa who haven't yet completed a feedlot assessment are invited to learn about the process at one of two remaining field days offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in July.

ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Beth Doran said these Beef Feedlot Assessment Field Days are provided in partnership with the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and focus on educating feedlot operators about the Beef Quality Assurance feedyard self-assessment.

"We will score the processing area for working cattle, bunk and water management, and animal and pen cleanliness, and discuss the importance of a veterinary-client-patient relationship," she said. "At the conclusion of the field day, each participant will be Beef Quality Assurance certified."

Doug Bear, director of industry relations for the Iowa Beef Industry Council, said the field days will build on the success of earlier BQA training sessions, including two held in northwest Iowa in early June.

"All of the participants at the first two feedlot assessment field days reported they now understand the importance of the feedlot self-assessment," Bear said. "BQA is more than a marketing tool. The self-assessments help improve animal performance, increase employee morale, and assure the consumer that the beef they eat is produced sustainably and with care to ensure animal welfare."

Each field day begins at 10 a.m. and lasts for an hour. Doran encouraged people to preregister to ensure adequate supplies and refreshments for all attendees.

Field day dates, locations and preregistration information follow.

-- July 8 -- Winter Feedlots, Inc., 17638 Fir Avenue, Akron. RSVP to Janelle Johnson, Plymouth County ISU Extension and Outreach, 712-546-7835.

-- July 13 -- Ron and Clayton Christensen feedlot, 3965 170th Avenue, Spencer. RSVP to Sarah Dirks, Clay County ISU Extension and Outreach, 712-262-2264.

For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or Bear at 515-296-2305.

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