New ISU Course Empowers Women in Cattle Marketing Strategies

By Andi Anderson

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering three “Women Marketing Cattle” courses this spring to support women in agriculture. These educational sessions aim to teach cattle producers how to develop effective marketing strategies, understand production costs, and manage market risks.

Courses will be held in three locations:

• Decorah: Begins April 8 and runs through April 22, held in the evenings at the Winneshiek County office.
• Mt. Ayr: Begins April 29 and continues until May 13, hosted at the Ringgold County office.
• Guthrie Center: A one-day event on May 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The registration fee is $25 and includes meals and learning materials. Scholarships are available by contacting Madeline Schultz at ISU.

Cattle are Iowa’s fourth largest agricultural commodity, contributing over $5 billion annually. Many women and beginning farmers are now exploring beef production as a profitable opportunity.

This course is tailored to their needs, creating a supportive and educational environment led by instructors Tim Christensen and Joseph Lensing.

Participants will explore how to capture more value from their cattle operations by comparing sales options like weaning, backgrounding, and finishing. They’ll review carcass value, market channels, and price-setting strategies. The course also covers futures prices, livestock insurance, diversification, and other tools to reduce price risks.

A highlight of the program is an interactive market simulation where participants work in small groups to build and test their own marketing plans. This hands-on activity helps build confidence and practical skills for real-life decision-making.

ISU’s women-focused program gives cattle producers the knowledge and tools to increase profitability while building community connections with other local farmers. The course is funded by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university