‘Boots in the Barn’ in Edgewood on Friday

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host Boots in the Barn, a program for women dairy and beef producers, this Friday in Edgewood.

The Boots in the Barn program was created after ISU Extension and Outreach staff identified the need for additional ag programs for women. “We’ve had great success with programs designed specifically for women,” said Jenn Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Women often prefer to learn in small groups and with hands-on opportunities. They like to ask lots of questions of presenters without feeling intimidated, so programs designed for women alone are very effective.”

This year’s program features three events on one day, starting at 10 a.m. and concluding by 3:30 p.m.

• 9:45 – 10 a.m. Meet at Edgewood Locker, 609 W. Union Street, for participant registration and the program introduction.
• 10 – 11:30 a.m. Tour Edgewood Locker and gain insights into direct marketing beef, the facility’s expansion and its increased processing capabilities. Learn about pricing strategies and how the locker has grown to meet customer demand. Participants may bring a cooler if they would like to shop Edgewood Locker’s extensive selection of meats or other local products available in the storefront.
• 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Head to Woods Edge Golf Course, 504 W Union Street, for a lunch and learn with Farm Credit Services on mastering financial recordkeeping and profitability. Gain insights into financial recordkeeping, understanding profitability, and the key differences between cash flow and profitability. Discover practical tips and strategies to strengthen your financial management.
• 1–3:30 p.m. The program continues at Edgewood Veterinary Clinic, 2078 IA-3, with an informative and hands-on session on calf care and troubleshooting, led by Allison Vander Plaats, ISU College of Veterinary Medicine, with assistance from Sami Kemp, veterinarian with Edgewood Veterinary Clinic. Learn how to identify common health issues, master proper esophageal feeding techniques, and understand essential equipment. Explore the causes of calf diarrhea, effective fluid therapy, and strategies for managing colostrum when supply is limited. Participants are encouraged to bring their farm’s esophageal tube feeders for an in-depth discussion on hygiene, proper handling, and maintenance to ensure safe and effective use. This session is an opportunity to gain practical insights for raising strong, healthy calves.

Registration deadline is Tuesday, March 11th. Those interested in the program can register online or by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Delaware County office at 563-927-4201 or the ISU Extension and Outreach Clayton County office at 563-245-1451. The fee for this program is $25 per person, which includes lunch and program materials. For more information, visit the Boots in the Barn webpage.

photo courtesy of ISU Extension