Field Day Event Plans to Keep Beef Cattle Producers Up on Trends for Their Herds

By Jenna Braasch and Travis Meteer

Beef cattle producers will gain insights and stay up to date on current research from cow/calf patterns to alternative forages and more at the Orr Beef Research Center's Field Day on September 6. The meeting will be held at the John Wood Community College Ag Center located west of Perry in the new Ag Sciences Complex and Fred Bradshaw Learning Center.

Producers are invited to join industry and university experts for an evening filled with current topics and research trends. Attendees are encouraged to share and discuss situations they are experiencing to help producers manage their cattle and day-to-day herd practices.

Field Day Topics

• Research Update: Creep Feeding Duration in Drylot Housed Cow/Calf Pairs, Limit Feeding vs. Ad Libitum Feeding Cows in the Drylot. Presenter: Dr. Dan Shike, University of Illinois.
• Beef Industry: Is Sustainability more than Methane? Presenter: Dr. Josh McCann, University of Illinois.
• Herd Management: Stretching a Short Hay Supply. Presenter: Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension.
• Cover Crops: Alternative Forage Opportunities. Presenter: Laura Lant, Midwest Grass & Forage.
• Weather Trends and Forecast: Climate Trends and Upcoming Weather Forecast. Presenter: Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist.

Speakers and presentation topics begin at 5:30 p.m., and a complimentary box meal will be provided. Space is limited, and registration is required with an RSVP to Travis Meteer at wmeteer2@illinois.edu, 217-430-7030. The event will be held indoors in a friendly climate, no matter the weather. For biosecurity and herd safety, please do not wear clothing or footwear you have worn in your feedlot or pastures unless washed.

For questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Travis Meteer at the information provided above. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. 

About Extension

Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.