BROOKINGS — The 2024 I-29 Moo University dairy beef short course is set for March 21, in the auditorium of the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls.

Registration opens at 9 a.m., with the event running from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in conjunction with the Central Plains Dairy Expo. The focus of this year’s program is economics, marketing opportunities and genetics.

Warren Rusche, assistant professor and SDSU Extension feedlot management specialist, said calves produced by dairies represent nearly 23% of the cattle on feed in the U.S. As beef-breed bulls sire more of those calves, the genetic changes bring new market questions.

“Increased adoption of crossing beef genetics on dairy cows has opened up a whole new set of options for both dairy farms and cattle feeders alike,” said Rusche. “What we have tried to do with the program this year is to bring together speakers who can address how these genetic changes affect cattle marketing from both a big-picture beef industry perspective, to feeder cattle value, and finally how these crosses fit for the packer and ultimately the meat case.”

SDSU Extension is a member of I-29 Moo University, a multi-state learning community established to connect Extension dairy specialists and producers from South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska to share research, workshops, webinars, newsletters, on-farm tours and networking opportunities.

Presenters and topics at this year’s Dairy Beef Short Course are Darrell Peel from Oklahoma State University with an outlook of the dairy beef industry; Ken Odde from Kansas State University with results of a video auction analysis about beef on dairy economics; and Bob Weaber, also from KSU, on genetic considerations for a more valuable calf. Lauren Kimble of Select Sires, an Ohio-based artificial insemination cooperative, will speak about how dairy-based cattle fit into value-based markets.

There will also be morning and afternoon panel discussions where attendees can ask the speakers questions.

Fred Hall, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said moving into the auditorium of the Denny Sanford Premier Center will provide more space for participants.

“We are excited for the new location,” said Hall. “The larger venue allows for comfortable seating with tables and chairs and an enjoyable learning experience.”

Registration is $70 per adult; a printed copy of the day’s programming is available for an additional $15. College students may register for $20. Lunch will be provided.

To register and view the agenda, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “moo.”

To register by mail, send the registration fee to Fred Hall at 400 Central Ave., NW, Suite 700, Orange City, IA, 51041. Include contact information and any dietary restrictions. Early registration is due March 8.

If attendees also plan to attend the Central Plains Dairy Expo, they are encouraged to register in advance at at the Central Plains Dairy Expo website.

For more information, contact Fred Hall at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at 712-737-4230 of fredhall@iastate.edu.