Iowa State University takes Cyclone Cattle Feeder Days on tour amid market volatility

The Iowa Beef Center is bringing its Cyclone Cattle Feeder Days to four towns across Iowa, offering feedlot operators insights into navigating market volatility, manure management, and new technology from 24 to 27 August.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is set to take its Cyclone Cattle Feeder Days on the road next week, with four identical sessions running from 24 to 27 August across Carroll, Monticello, Osage and Orange City.

The programme is aimed at feedlot operators facing what organisers describe as a period of constant change, with sessions on market risk, manure management, technology adoption and current nutrition research. That emphasis comes at a time when cattle markets remain highly volatile and the margin for error in buying and finishing cattle can be substantial.

Cody Weitzenkamp, a market adviser with Balance4Ward, is scheduled to outline price outlooks and risk-management approaches. Dan Andersen, an Iowa State University Extension engineering specialist, will discuss ways to capture more value from manure in different production systems, while Aimee Lutz, director of the Iowa Beef Center, will review how newer technologies can fit into cattle feeding businesses.

Researchers Stephanie Hansen and Nathan Smerchek are also expected to present findings from recent work at the ISU Beef Nutrition Farm, including studies on Experior, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and carcass quality. David Trowbridge of Gregory Feedyards in Tabor will add a producer perspective, sharing how his operation has evaluated tools such as individual feed and water intake monitoring and daily weights.

Each event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes a meal, and costs $20 per person, with registration due by 17 August through the hosting county extension office.

Image Source: Iowa State University