Driftless Region Beef Conference is slated

     One of the most respected consultants in the cattle business, Burke Teichert, will be the featured speaker at the 2019 Driftless Region Beef Conference, Jan. 24-25 at the Grand River Conference Center in Dubuque.

     Teichert will speak on the keys to profitability in the beef industry with additional presentations on managing depreciation and the value of reproductive efficiency.

     “Profitability in the beef industry is determined by many factors, and this year’s conference will focus on several of them,” said Denise Schwab, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We are excited to have Burke Teichert on our program, sharing his insight and experience. This is an opportunity that beef producers in the region will not want to miss.”

     Conference speakers include Alfredo DiCostanzo, professor of beef cattle nutrition and management at University of Minnesota, who will address reducing feed waste; Mary Drewnoski, beef cattle nutritionist at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, who will discuss grazing to control costs; and a producer panel who will discuss approaches to finding cheap feeds.

     Breakout sessions will include Dan Schaefer, professor of animal science at University of Wisconsin-Madison, on feed delivery; Dr. Jim Lowe, assistant professor at University of Illinois, on feedlot overhead; Dan Shike, professor of beef cattle nutrition at University of Illinois, on selection tools; Stephanie Hansen, associate professor of beef feedlot nutrition at Iowa State University, on implants and mineral interactions; Travis Meeter, beef cattle educator with University of Illinois Extension, on drylotting cows; and Teresa Wiemerslage, local foods systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, on adding value to the beef enterprise.

     The popular evening bull pen session features a panel of producers sharing their experiences and challenges with marketing.

     Online or in-person registration fee is $115. Online registration as well as additional details on topics, speakers and lodging is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/beef.

     The Driftless Region Beef Conference is an annual event presented by ISU Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois Extension, and University of Wisconsin Extension. The event provides an opportunity for producers in the three-state region to hear from University and industry experts from across the country and gain new insight to profitable and sustainable beef production.

     For more information, download the conference brochure, or contact Schwab at 319-472-4739.