I’ve stepped foot on a dozen Iowa cattle farms, and here’s what I’ve learned

Are you the person driving down the highway who can’t help but announce to the rest of the vehicle when you see cows?

Me, too.

Despite stepping foot on numerous cattle farms, the novelty hasn’t worn off.

Beyond learning to wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty from a cow’s gift to nature—fertilizer—my biggest takeaways are how much intention farmers put into everything they do to provide the high-quality beef Iowans enjoy.

The amount of dedication farmers put into raising healthy animals is second to none.

Cattle farmers tailor their care to meet the specific needs of each animal at every life stage. And that starts the moment calves are born.

Farmers like Kate Long of Dallas County are up at all hours of the night during calving season to assist mother cows with delivery and ensure baby calves receive the attention they need in those first critical hours.

Kaitlyn Porter of Franklin County describes her cattle as “spoiled.” But it’s a description she uses with the upmost pride. When she’s selling beef at local markets, she loves to show customers photos of her cattle and sharing how each one gets scratches and treats on a daily basis.

Farmers incorporate conservation and sustainable practices across their farms.

Cattle and conservation go hand in hand.

Jeret Jiras, a Johnson County farmer, embraces rotational grazing to keep living roots in the ground to protect soil and water quality. This practice allows grazed grass to recover and replenish by moving cattle to different fenced-in areas across the farm. It’s kind of like using all the crayons in a coloring box, instead of wearing a single crayon all the way down to the nub.

In Winneshiek County, Jerome Fulsaas uses cover crops on his cropland to protect the water quality within his local watershed. These cover crops act as a natural blanket, shielding the soil during winter and retaining nutrients for future crops that feed their cattle. Additionally, the cover crops themselves can serve as feed, furthering a regenerative cycle.

Farmers embrace continuous improvement, education and innovation.  

Story County farmers Michael and Ashley McEnany participate in animal welfare clinics to learn more or refresh their knowledge on practices that keep animals healthy and comfortable. In fact, more than 11,000 Iowa cattle farmers are Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified, showing a commitment to scientifically backed farm practices.

Cattle farmers are also data-driven and track genetic information to pass down traits that promote animal health, efficiency and high-quality beef.

The results of applying innovation and animal welfare practices speak for themselves. Between 1961 and 2019, the U.S. beef industry has reduced?emissions per pound of beef by nearly 40% while also producing 75% more beef per animal.

So, the next time you're cruising down the highway and someone shouts, "Cows!" from the passenger seat, I hope you consider the farmer behind the animal. The hardworking man or woman who's likely been up since dawn to do what they love—caring for animals, the land and sustainable agriculture.

For more information about Iowa farmers and how they grow/raise our food, visit realfarmersrealfoodrealmeat.com.

Learn more about author Caitlyn Lamm here.