Driftless Beef Conference to Focus on Market Timing and Herd Expansion

With the national beef cow herd at record lows and fed cattle numbers continuing to decline, the upcoming Driftless Region Beef Conference will address critical industry topics.

Scheduled for January 23-24, 2025, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque, Iowa, the event is a collaborative effort by university extension services in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Keynote Topics: Cattle Cycles and Genetics

The first day will feature two prominent keynote speakers. Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University will analyze the current cattle cycle, herd size, and economic prospects for rebuilding the nation’s herds.

Troy Rowan from the University of Tennessee will explore the role of genetics in creating productive and long-lived cattle. His insights include leveraging crossbreeding to improve herd performance and calf crop outcomes.

Practical Insights for Pasture and Feedlot Management

Marta Kohmann of the University of Wisconsin will share strategies for pasture and forage planning, essential for sustainable herd management.

On Friday, attendees can choose from breakout sessions covering both cow herd and feedlot topics. These include:

• Cow Herd Sessions: Crossbreeding benefits, pasture management techniques, heifer development strategies, and effective weed control.
• Feedlot Sessions: Managing market risk, optimizing feeding to meet market demands, beef-dairy cattle management, and dealing with erratic feed intake.

Networking and Registration

A highlight of the event will be Thursday evening’s “Bull Pen” discussion, featuring locker plant managers sharing insights on marketing beef locally.

Early registration is $120 per person until January 10, 2025, and increases to $145 afterward. 

The Driftless Beef Conference offers a timely opportunity for producers to navigate challenges and adapt to the evolving cattle industry, ensuring long-term success.

Stay ahead in the evolving beef industry with expert advice on feedlot and pasture management. Visit our homepage to learn more.