Driftless region beef conference 2025 to focus on market timing

By Andi Anderson

The 2025 Driftless Region Beef Conference, scheduled for January 23-24, will take place at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque.

Organized by university extension services from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, this annual event aims to educate beef producers on important industry topics, especially those related to market timing and herd expansion.

With beef cow numbers at record lows and a decrease in fed cattle, the conference will focus on strategies to expand the cow herd and enhance marketing approaches. Keynote speakers, Dr. Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University and Dr. Troy Rowan from the University of Tennessee, will open the conference on the first afternoon.

Peel will cover the cattle cycle, economics, and prospects for herd rebuilding, while Rowan will delve into genetics, discussing the traits and tools needed to breed productive and profitable cows.

The first day also features Dr. Marta Kohmann from the University of Wisconsin, who will provide insights into pasture and forage planning. That evening, the popular “Bull Pen” discussion will host locker plant managers discussing ways to market beef locally.

Friday’s sessions will provide breakout discussions on cow herd and feedlot topics. The cow room sessions will address crossbreeding, pasture management, heifer development, and weed control.

Feedlot topics will focus on risk management, market-based feeding, beef-dairy cattle management, and erratic feed intakes. The event will conclude with Dr. Peel's market outlook.

Early registration is available for $120 until January 10, after which the fee increases to $145. This conference promises to equip beef producers with valuable knowledge for adapting to industry changes and maximizing herd productivity.

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