BOONE, Iowa—Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer a unique educational opportunity this fall for anyone interested in beef cattle production.  The program, Beef Management 101, will be hosted by Boone County Extension.  The five-part meeting series has been set for 5:30-8:30 pm on November 10, 17, and December 1, 6, and 15 at the Boone County Extension Office.

Iowa State University Extension beef specialist Chris Clark said the program will include some interactive learning and hands-on activities.

“I have a few activities in mind to make things a bit more interesting and interactive.  And I encourage participants to come with questions.  We’ll try to address those questions and hopefully we’ll have a lot of really good discussion.”

Topics will include animal health, nutrition, animal selection, managing the birthing process and more.  Curriculum is flexible and can be adapted to meet the interests and needs of participants. The final session will consist of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and will culminate in the certification of attendees.

“I have some lessons in mind that we will almost certainly use, including some nutrition, pasture management, animal selection, and delivering a calf.  Beyond that though, we have flexibility to tailor the program to the interests of the participants,” said Clark.  “And then we’ll wrap up with BQA certification. Should be a nice way to tie everything together and get everyone certified.”

An evening meal will be served at each meeting and preregistration by November 3 is requested to assist organizers with meal planning.  The registration fee is $30 and includes meals and resource manuals.  Those interested in attending this event should contact the Boone County Extension Office at (515) 432-3882 or by email to Jess Soderstrum at jlsoder@iastate.edu.  For additional information, please contact Chris Clark at (712) 250-0070 or by email at caclark@iastate.edu.

(contributed press release Boone County Extension)