Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation are teaming up to deliver current market and management information to Iowa livestock farmers in these challenging times. The “Managing Through Stress: A Livestock Information Event” will be held Monday, Feb. 4.

The event starts at 10 a.m. with a morning general session delivered to 14 sites throughout the state via the Web. Farmers will hear from leading experts on livestock and feed price outlook and strategy, weather outlook, financial strategies and managing the stress of farming in challenging times.

After lunch, each site will have local presentations geared toward the challenges faced by a specific species of livestock beef, swine or dairy. Afternoon sessions will be facilitated by ISU Extension and Outreach livestock specialists.

At the Tama County Extension Office, 203 W. High St., Toledo, beef will be the topic.

“This information is vital for Iowa farmers right now because they are making 2013 livestock business decisions and there is a lot on the table for them,” said Ed Kordick, IFBF commodity services manager. “Those who come to the ‘Managing Through Stress’ event can hear nationally noted experts give advice on a variety of issues, including the looming feed supply and 2013 costs.”

Morning presenters are Chad Hart and Lee Schultz, economists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Elwynn Taylor, ISU Extension and Outreach climatologist; and Dr. Mike Rosmann, ag behavioral health psychologist. Hart and Schultz will present 2013 feed and livestock price outlooks and strategies, while Taylor will give the weather outlook. Rosmann will speak about indicators of human stress.

The seminar is free to farmers; there is no registration required. More information can be found at www.iowafarmbureau.com, on the ISU Extension and Outreach calendar, or by contacting IFBF commodity services manager Ed Kordick at:

ekordick@ifbf.orgf