Urban Cow Program in Sioux City Starts Dec. 12

By Fred M. Hall

 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a new Urban Cow program series beginning Dec. 12 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Woodbury County office in Sioux City.

The Urban Cow series is a five-part educational program providing information about dairy cattle, goats and sheep for the urban producer.

“Before you can grow your food source there is some work and research that needs to be done,” according to Fred Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Understanding your goals and resources, understanding the animals you will be caring and providing for, and finally understanding the systems required for your new lifestyle are all important factors. This program will help you gain knowledge and resources to make the best decision for your family and lifestyle. You can choose to attend any or all of the five programs.”

All sessions will be hosted from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the ISU Extension and Outreach Woodbury County Office located at 4728 Southern Hills Drive in Sioux City.

The schedule is as follows:

• Dec. 12 – Goals and Resources: This session will focus on determining your goals and evaluating available resources. The session will also cover the legal issues of selling raw milk and raw milk products, and how the homesteader lifestyle is a progression that can include many forms of agriculture that can be mutually beneficial to each other.
• Jan. 23 – Asset Needs: What animal(s) will best fit your needs? This session will focus on species and breeds, as well as their land, housing facilities, milking equipment, and time and labor requirements.
• Feb. 13 – Animal Husbandry: This session will focus on animal husbandry, nutrition and health.
• March 6 – Sanitation: Having a plan for sanitation and milking protocols is extremely important. This session will cover some guidelines and talk about some options.
• April 3 – Cheese Making: This session will explore best management practices for cheese production and feature a hands-on demonstration.

Registration for the program can be completed online at https://go.iastate.edu/URBANCOW or by contacting the ISU Extension and Outreach Woodbury County office at 712-276-2157. Registration fee is $10 per session or $20 for all five sessions and should be completed at least one day prior to the program.