By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting Boots in the Barn, a special one-day program designed for women in the dairy and beef industry. Scheduled for March 14 in Edgewood, this program offers practical learning experiences covering marketing, financial management, and calf care.
The program kicks off at 9:45 a.m. at Edgewood Locker, where participants will tour the facility and learn about direct beef marketing, pricing strategies, and expansion efforts. They will also get insights into how the facility meets growing customer demands. Those interested can shop for meat and other local products.
The second session, held at Woods Edge Golf Course from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., will focus on financial management. Experts from Farm Credit Services will share strategies for keeping financial records, understanding profitability, and managing cash flow.
This session aims to equip participants with essential financial skills to improve their farming operations.
The final session, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Edgewood Veterinary Clinic, will provide hands-on training in calf care. Led by Allison Vander Plaats from ISU College of Veterinary Medicine and Sami Kemp from Edgewood Veterinary Clinic, this session will cover calf health, feeding techniques, and essential care equipment.
Participants will learn how to handle esophageal tube feeders, maintain hygiene, and manage colostrum supply.
Registration for Boots in the Barn is open until March 10. The program costs $25 per person, covering lunch and materials. Participants can register online or by calling the ISU Extension offices in Delaware or Clayton County.
The program was created to provide educational opportunities for women in agriculture. According to Jenn Bentley, dairy specialist at ISU Extension and Outreach, programs designed for women help create a comfortable learning environment where they can ask questions and gain practical skills.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle