UMN Extension to host webinar series for cow-calf producers on preconditioning and reinvestment strategies

The University of Minnesota Extension is excited to host a two-part winter webinar series titled: Strong Markets, Smart Moves: Cattle Edition. Zoom meetings will be held on Monday, October 27 and November 3, 2025, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CST.

This webinar series will help answer several commonly-asked recurring questions in times of record-high calf prices – Do I still need to pre-condition my calves in these high markets? and Where can I best invest additional revenue to yield the greatest return for my operation? Beef producers, ag business professionals, and those interested in learning more about beef production are invited to attend.

This two-part webinar series will address both the production and financial decisions facing cow-calf producers in today’s strong markets. The first session will highlight the physiological and economic impacts of preconditioning practices – and why they remain critical even when calf prices are high. The second session will shift focus to the business side of the operation, exploring the financial and tax considerations of higher cattle revenues, and identifying which technologies, services, and management strategies offer the greatest potential return on reinvestment.

Monday, October 27, 2025: Preconditioning in high calf markets: why it’s still important

High calf prices bring greater financial opportunities for beef producers—but also greater risks. This webinar will highlight why preconditioning remains a critical strategy for capturing top dollar on your calves. Learn which practices buyers are willing to pay premiums for, which deliver the strongest return on investment, and how these practices support long-term calf health and performance. Discussion will also look at strategies to reduce the risk of BRD and other calf health challenges.

Presented by Dr. Angela Varnum, Extension Livestock Veterinarian, and Melissa Runck, Extension Educator – Beef Production Systems

Monday, November 3, 2025: Now is the time to plan for year-end tax planning!

The beef industry has been setting records for beef prices week after week, creating potential profit opportunities for producers.  This presentation will discuss strategies for reinvesting these profits to benefit your operation today while also considering the long-term impacts of those investments. Topics will include areas such as safety, time savings, and comfort improvements—all with attention to maximizing return on investment.

Presented by Troy Salzer, Extension Educator – St. Louis County

Pre-registration is required. Please register by visiting  https://z.umn.edu/strongmarkets. You will receive a Zoom link following registration. Only one registration is needed to attend both webinars. If you are unable to attend the live sessions, recordings of both sessions will be emailed to all registrants at the end of the series.

For questions, please contact Melissa Runck at mkrunck@umn.edu or by calling the Worthington Regional Extension Office at 507-372-3900, ext. 3904.