Webinar examines livestock and crop options during drought

Iowa crop and livestock producers dealing with drought-related issues are invited to attend an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach webinar Wednesday, July 25, to learn more about options available to them.

County extension offices will host the 1 to 3 p.m. webinar. Participation in the webinar is free.

Livestock issues covered during the webinar will include options to help producers manage immediate needs related to stressed pastures and reduced hay supplies. "We also will talk about early weaning to reduce cow requirements and supplemental feeding," said Dan Loy, Iowa Beef Center director. "Other topics facing producers are feeding value, proper ensiling and potential for nitrate toxicity for corn harvested as silage or green chop."

Members of the extension crops team will cover the topics of crop growth and development under drought conditions and feeding drought damaged crops.

"We will look at current conditions, short-range and long range forecasts, impacts of drought on forages and crops, and impacts on disease and insect development," said Roger Elmore, extension corn specialist.

Extension specialists will discuss crop insurance coverage, grain marketing implications and valuing drought-damaged corn silage. Possible disaster programs related to the drought situation also will be covered, said William Edwards, extension economist.

Local county Extension offices hosting the July 25 webinar are Carroll County, office located at 1205 West US Highway 30 Ste. G, Carroll; and Crawford County, office located at 35 South Main Street, Denison.

More counties may be added to the list of hosting sites prior to July 25. To learn of additions, contact a local county extension office for nearest location.

Extension agriculture and program specialists will facilitate the program at each site. Time has been allowed for questions and answers following the presentations. The webinar will be recorded and made available on the ISU Extension and Outreach website, www.extension.iastate.edu/.