Iowa Beef Checkoff Production Research
A portion of your state beef checkoff funds are being used to conduct industry-leading research focused on improving your herd's health and your farm's profitability.
Iowa Beef Industry Council-funded studies are tailored to address your specific challenges and opportunities, delivering practical, actionable insights for Iowa's cattle operations. Since 2018, farmers have funded 36 projects valued cumulatively at more than $2.3 million.
Review The Latest Production Research Summary
Our Research Focus Areas:
Gain & Performance
Highlights practical strategies to improve feed efficiency, carcass quality and cattle performance—with summaries to help producers make data-driven decisions.
Heard Health
Highlights practical insights to improve cattle well-being, performance and profitability—supporting informed decisions across all sectors of the cattle industry.
Carcass Quality
Highlights actionable strategies to enhance feedlot profitability and beef quality, helping producers align performance with growing consumer demand for premium beef.
Cow-Calf
Highlights practical strategies to boost herd performance and resource efficiency by enhancing cow and calf productivity through dry-lot housing and cover crop grazing systems.
Reproduction & Genetics
Highlights valuable insights to enhance herd productivity and reproductive success—supporting informed decision-making to improve breeding outcomes and overall herd performance.
Hairy Heel Wart
Highlights the importance of monitoring hoof health to protect feedlot performance, with findings that support early detection and prevention to improve overall cattle productivity.
Beef x Dairy
Highlights research insights that help producers improve management practices, optimize calf performance and meet market demand for high-quality beef from dairy-influenced genetics.
Did You Know?
IBIC's research is focused on empowering Iowa beef producers with practical tools to improve their operations. Every study, from boosting feed efficiency to tackling herd health, addresses real challenges facing Iowa's beef industry. With in put from local producers and careful selection, these projects deliver hands-on knowledge to help increase returns, strengthen herd productivity and support sustainable practices.
Peer-Driven Funding:
A team of cattle producers and local experts carefully reviews each research proposal to ensure every project addresses the specific needs of Iowa's beef industry.
Practical Checks & Accountability:
Each project receives regular check-ins, and findings are shared to help producers easily apply the results on their farms.
Local Research That Works:
Through Iowa’s fifty-cent checkoff, we’re investing in research that targets the core of Iowa cattle operations and tackles the real challenges producers face every day.