By Andi Anderson
The Orr Beef Research Center Field Day is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The event will take place at the Ag Sciences Complex and Fred Bradshaw Learning Center at John Wood Community College’s Ag Center near Perry, Illinois.
The program is designed to provide beef producers and community members with the latest updates on cattle research, farm challenges, and practical management strategies.
University of Illinois professors Dr. Dan Shike and Dr. Josh McCann will lead sessions covering ongoing research.
Their topics include managing drylot housed cow and calf pairs, improving heifer development, and ensuring structural soundness in feedlot cattle. These updates will provide producers with valuable insights for herd health and productivity.
Travis Meteer, Extension Beef Specialist, will focus on using cover crops as a forage source, offering a sustainable option for producers.
Dr. Teresa Steckler, University of Illinois Beef Specialist, will address increasing tick pressures, including the Asian longhorned tick recently discovered in Illinois, highlighting strategies to protect herds.
The program also includes a presentation by Christian Lovell, Director of the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition, who will share soil health improvements through hay unrolling and bale grazing. Dr. Brittney Goodrich from FarmDoc will provide a cattle market outlook, helping farmers understand current market dynamics and prepare for economic shifts.
Field Day offers a chance for producers to learn directly from experts in a comfortable indoor setting, regardless of weather conditions. Those wishing to attend must RSVP in advance.
By bringing together research, practical solutions, and market guidance, the Orr Beef Research Center Field Day continues its tradition of supporting beef producers with timely knowledge and resources.
Photo Credit:istock-123ducu
Categories: Illinois, Livestock, Beef Cattle