FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lucy Norton, Managing Director, 515-225-9242
Monte Shaw, Executive Director, 515-225-9242

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Workshops on Distillers Grains for Livestock Producers Scheduled
Mason City, Sheldon, and Denison To Host Educational Sessions

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is hosting a series of workshops on managing distillers grains and manure nutrient values. The workshops are designed for cattle producers, technical service providers, certified crop specialists, feed consultants, and feed managers.  Topics include the feeding value of distillers grains, managing phosphorus with distillers grains rations, manure nutrient content and value, the phosphorus index, and the relationship between phosphorus and nitrogen in crop usage.

“Distillers grains from Iowa’s ethanol refineries can provide the right amount of phosphorus and reduce ration costs,” said Lucy Norton, IRFA managing director. “We’re hosting these workshops to emphasize the benefits of distillers grains and how to manage phosphorus in manure when feeding distillers grains.”

Workshop participants will receive a workbook containing valuable tools to use in developing rations and Manure Management Plans, distillers grains nutrient profiles from Iowa’s ethanol plants, guidelines on using distillers grains in feedlots, manure application field reports, manure spreader calibration worksheets, and soil sampling procedures. 

Workshops are scheduled in Mason City on September 26, Sheldon on September 27 and Denison on September 28.  All workshops will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost of the workshops is $50, which includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments.  Registration deadline is September 22. For more information and a registration form, contact Lucy Norton at 515-252-6249 or info@IowaRFA.org.

The IRFA is sponsoring the workshops in cooperation with Galva Holstein Ag, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University, Natural Resources Conservation Services, and US BioEnergy.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Currently, Iowa has 25 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 1.6 billion gallons annually.  There are 9 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add over 600 million gallons of annual capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 14 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 315 million gallons either in operation or under construction.  Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers.  The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.