Boots in the Barn series to be offered in southwest Iowa in May

Women involved in cattle production in four southwest counties are invited to a unique educational series in May. Boots in the Barn is a custom-designed series that provides an open atmosphere for learning and asking questions.

This four-part course is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach's Region 23, which comprises Adams, Taylor, Ringgold and Union counties.

“Boots in the Barn features classroom settings and hands-on opportunities,” said Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “It offers a small group environment for participants to learn from instructors and from their peers as well."

The program will provide women with research-based information pertaining to cow herd management including pasture management, preparing for the breeding season, cattle health and feedlot management. The full scope of the program’s topics each night will be tailored to the specific interests of the audience.

Lundy-Woolfolk will be joined by ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist Aaron Saeugling and field agricultural engineer Tony Mensing. Additional speakers include a local veterinarian and Kristi Drake, from Nodaway Valley Feeders.   

The program will be held on Wednesday evenings May 10, 17, 24 and 31 beginning with a light meal at 6 p.m. Each session runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The sessions will be held primarily at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, 600 W. Michigan, in Lenox, with specific topics to be addressed on-site at local farms. 

Registration is $25 for all four sessions and can be paid when returning the registration form or at the door. Participants are not required to attend all four sessions. The series brochure has session-specific information and a registration form. For more information on the Boots in the Barn program or to register before May 3, contact Jenny Ernst at the ISU Extension and Outreach Taylor County office at 712-523-2137 or jernst@iastate.edu.