In an effort to assist the livestock industry in preparing for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded veterinary feed directive (VFD), the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has partnered with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association to offer regional educational sessions around the state. 

The educational series runs from August 22 through September 1 with regional sessions in 11 locations.  Iowa State Extension Beef Program Specialist Chris Clark says the educational sessions will help answer questions from all individuals impacted by the expanded rules, including veterinarians, livestock producers, and feed industry personnel. 

“The program will include a general overview of the VFD, species breakout sessions, and discussion panels featuring veterinarians, producers, and feed industry personnel,” Clark says.  “The implementation date of January 1, 2017, is approaching, and at this point people may have some specific questions or scenarios that they are unsure about.  Hopefully, we can help answer some questions and clarify some of those issues.”

Under the expanded set of rules, a veterinarian’s written statement is required for antibiotic use in livestock feed.  Additionally, water-based antibiotics will also require a prescription. 

“We want Iowa farmers to gain the knowledge needed to continue the great job raising healthy livestock in Iowa,” said Ed Kordick, commodity services manager for IFBF.  “The meetings will be a great opportunity for livestock farmers and everyone involved in the new FDA regulation to learn the changes needed on the farm.” 

There is no fee to attend the meetings, but preregistration is encouraged.  To register, simply call the number associated with the session you would like to attend. 

  • Monday, Aug. 22, 1 to 4 p.m. – First United Methodist Church, Emmetsburg
    RSVP to the Palo Alto County Extension Office, 712-852-2865
  • Tuesday, Aug. 23, 1 to 4 p.m. – ISU Extension meeting room, Orange City
    RSVP to the Sioux County Extension Office, 712-737-4230
  • Tuesday, Aug. 23, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. – ISU Extension meeting room, Storm Lake
    RSVP to the Buena Vista County Extension Office, 712-732-5056
  • Wednesday, Aug. 24, 1 to 4 p.m. – NE Iowa Dairy Center, Calmar
    RSVP to the Benton County Extension Office, 319-472-4739
  • Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Buzzy’s, Welton
    RSVP to the Benton County Extension Office, 319-472-4739
  • Thursday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to noon – Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Independence,
    RSVP to the Benton County Extension Office, 319-472-4739
  • Monday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to noon – Swan Lake Conservation Center, Carroll
    RSVP to the Carroll County Extension Office, 712-792-2364  
  • Monday, Aug. 29, 6 to 9 p.m. – Cass County Community Center, Atlantic
    RSVP to the Cass County Extension Office, 712-243-1132
  • Tuesday, Aug. 30, 1 to 4 p.m. – ISU Extension Office Hancock County, Garner
    RSVP to the Hancock County Extension Office, 641-923-2856
  • Wednesday, Aug. 31, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – ISU Extension Office Washington County, Washington
    RSVP to the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811
  • Thursday, Sept. 1, 1 to 4 p.m. – Carpenters Hall, Chariton
    RSVP to the Lucas County Extension Office, 641-774-2016

For more general information, contact Clark at 712-250-0070 or email at caclark@iastate.edu.  You also can contact your regional Iowa State Extension livestock specialist.