Heifer field days

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host three heifer field days, focused on reproduction and growth management, facilities and economics.

— March 26 at the Taylor Bontrager dairy, located at 1881 Johnson Washington Road SW, Kalona, Iowa, from 1-3:30 p.m. Topics will include facilities and ventilation presented by Kris Kohl, northwest Iowa ag engineer, and heifer reproduction programs presented by Victor Gomez, assistant professor and extension dairy specialist with Kansas State University, and will conclude with a group discussion and facility tour.

— March 27 at the Brian and Monica Enyart dairy, located at 630 Highway 51 South, Postville, Iowa, from 1-3:30 p.m. Topics will include facilities and ventilation, presented by Kris Kohl, northwest Iowa ag engineer; heifer reproduction programs presented by Victor Gomez; and a group discussion and facility tour.

— March 28 at Dordt University Agriculture Stewardship Center and heifer barn, 3648 US-75, Sioux Center, Iowa, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch provided. Topics will include facilities and ventilation, presented by Kris Kohl, northwest Iowa ag engineer; economics of raising heifers presented by Larry Tranel, dairy field specialist; and a foreign animal disease presentation by Lisa Hindle with USDA-Veterinary Services and Dr. Greg Schmitt with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. From 1-4 p.m., a Spanish and English reproduction training will take place for those wanting a better understanding of best management practices when working with artificial insemination programs.

Those interested in attending should register at https://go.iastate.edu/DAIRYHEIFER2024 or call ISU Extension and Outreach in Sioux County at 712-737-4230; Allamakee County at 563-568-6345; or Washington County at 319-653-4811. There is no fee to attend, but an RSVP is requested for meals and materials.