Responsible expansion of Iowa’s cow herd program to be held in Hedrick

Are you thinking about expanding your beef herd? An educational program provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach set for Thursday, Aug. 28 in Hedrick will offer a variety of topics pertinent to that deliberation. Keokuk County Extension Program Coordinator Emily Belvel said the "Responsible expansion of Iowa’s cow" event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Hedrick City Hall, 109 Main St., with a meal, followed by information and discussion led by ISU Extension Beef Specialist Patrick Wall.

“Information to be shared is centered on appreciation and depreciation, opportunity and risk, and management strategies to reduce your replacement rate,” she said. “Patrick will lead the session and will be joined by new Iowa Beef Center Director and Extension Feedlot Specialist Aimee Wertz-Lutz.

Potential topics could range from nutritional management of first-calf heifers to animal selection. There is no charge for the program or the meal, thanks to local supporters and sponsors Keoco Auction Company of Sigourney, Merck Animal Health, and Keokuk County Cattlemen’s Association.

Those who plan to attend should register no later than Aug. 21 by calling any of these county extension offices:

Jefferson County at 641-472-4166

Keokuk County at 641-622-2680

Mahaska County at 641-683-5841

Wapello County at 641-682-5491

Contact Wall for more information about the program by phone at 515-450-7665 or email at patwall@iastate.edu