By Andi Anderson
The 13th annual Driftless Region Beef Conference is set for January 23-24, 2025, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
Hosted by the university extension services of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, the event offers timely insights into marketing, herd rebuilding, and future industry trends.
This year’s focus is on the challenges posed by the national beef cow herd's record-low numbers and declining fed cattle populations. The conference aims to provide beef producers with practical strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.
Two keynote speakers will highlight Thursday’s sessions. Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University will discuss the current cattle cycle, cow numbers, and economic prospects for herd rebuilding.
He will also present an economic outlook on Friday. Troy Rowan from the University of Tennessee will explore genetics’ role in building profitable herds. His session includes using genomics and crossbreeding to produce long-lasting, productive cows and higher-performing calf crops.
Additional presentations include Marta Kohmann from the University of Wisconsin, who will speak about pasture and forage planning. On Friday morning, breakout sessions will cater to both cow herd and feedlot topics, covering crossbreeding, pasture management, heifer development, weed control, risk management, feeding strategies, and more.
A popular highlight is Thursday evening’s “Bull Pen” discussion featuring a panel of locker plant managers sharing insights on local beef marketing.
Early registration costs $120 per person if completed by January 10, 2025. After this date, fees increase to $145. Full details on speakers, topics, and lodging can be found on the conference website.
This conference offers an invaluable opportunity for beef producers to stay informed, gain actionable insights, and connect with industry experts to ensure a resilient and profitable future in agriculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sstajic
Categories: Iowa, Business