The dry growing conditions of 2022 and 2023 have led to supply and quality issues of hay and other forages in some areas of the state. Cattlemen may be faced with a short supply of hay, corn silage with the potential for nitrates, and poor pastures that resulted in stored hay being fed most of the summer. Unfortunately, tight hay supplies will likely lead to higher prices later in the winter feeding period, according to Iowa State University extension beef specialist Denise Schwab.

"Controlling feed cost while meeting all of the cow’s nutrient requirements requires knowledge of both the feed supply and the animal’s requirements," she said. "ISU extension beef specialists have developed a series of workshops to help producers plan for their beef cow winter feeding programs."

At each location, beef specialists will discuss the current hay situation, the impacts of the dry conditions on forage quality, potential toxicity concerns, and balancing cow rations in late gestation and early lactation. Topics and speakers will vary by location, so please check with the site you wish to attend for information specific to that location. The series flyer has location-specific information for all sites.

Workshop dates, times and locations are as follows. Producers should preregister by calling the host county Extension office at the phone number listed for that site.

November

Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Turner Hall, Postville, 563-425-3331 .

Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., North Iowa Fair 4-H Center,  Mason City, 641-231-1711.

Nov. 28, 6 p.m., Marion County Extension Office, Knoxville, 641-842-2014.

Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m., Lohff-Schumann Community Center, Holstein, 712-225-6196.

Nov. 29, 1 p.m., Grace United Methodist Church, Spencer, 712-262-2264.

Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m., NERF Borlaug Center, Nashua, 641-231-1711.

Nov. 30, 1:30 p.m., Tama County Extension Office, Toledo, 641-484-2703.

December

Dec. 4, 6 p.m., Lucas Co Extension Office, Chariton,  641-774-2016.

Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., Jones County Extension Office, Monticello, 319-465-3224.

Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m., Dallas Co Extension Office, Adel, 515-993-4281.

Dec.12, 6 p.m., Clarke County Fair & Event Center, Osceola, 641-342-3316.

Dec.13, 3 p.m., Humboldt Vet Clinic, Humboldt,  641-923-2856.

All cattle producers are encouraged to attend.