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The Impact of the Iowa Craft Beer Tent at the Iowa State Fair | Accu-Steel Fabric Covered Buildings

Paige Klein — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 05:00:00 GMT

When the Iowa Craft Beer Tent first came to the Iowa State Fair in 2011, owner Scott Carlson wasn’t quite sure how they’d pull it off. “You know, when we first opened up, we were a smaller tent by quite a bit. We didn’t know what we were doing because we hadn’t done anything like it yet,” he said. Scott and his team were only a few weeks into planning when they got a call from the Iowa Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), offering to send volunteers to pour beer in exchange for the tips.

“I said, ‘Sounds like a great deal,’ and we went from there. It was a no brainer. My cousin’s child had cystic fibrosis, so the cause meant a lot to me personally,” said Scott. “Working with CFF was great, but as we grew we quickly realized there are so many other charities that could benefit as well.”

So, ever since, the Iowa Craft Beer Tent is run entirely by volunteers at the Iowa State Fair — benefitting a new organization every few years. Their fundraising efforts have been so successful that the tent sponsored two local charities this year: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa and IOWA Service Dogs.

Over the course of 10 days, the volunteer crew raised more than $20,000.

The volunteers behind the tap

In true “Iowa Nice” spirit, the volunteers that work the tent during the fair are both dedicated and enthusiastic. Some never miss a year. Others work 10+ shifts in one go. But, regardless of if they’re a veteran volunteer or a newbie, it’s said that after one year you get hooked.

Volunteer Deb Pape said, “We weren’t able to volunteer the first year but still wanted to check it out. When we got to the tent, I looked at my husband and said, ‘Never again will we miss the other side of the counter!’ We just love it.”

And she’s never regretted it. “It’s so exciting. The tent is always changing, always evolving. We got a volunteer shirt early on with all the breweries on the back — if they did that today, I don’t think they’d fit!”

The happiest place at the iowa state fair

The space has grown to include ciders, wine slushies, non-alcoholic beers and more, as well as host a pop-up merchandise store. The beer tent moved to a new spot in 2021 to accommodate the growing popularity.

See how we worked with the Iowa Craft Beer Tent to upgrade their new facility.

After resizing, relocating, repaving and revamping, the Iowa Craft Beer Tent is now the largest concession stand at the fair. There’s live music, a stage (where we recorded an episode of Growin’ with Owen), and enough taps to showcase 246 beers from 58 breweries. But the tent is about way more than just beer. It’s a centralized spot of Iowa community pride. From the companies involved in its construction, to the passionate volunteers, to the breweries themselves and, of course, the organizations supported each year are all from the great state of Iowa. Or, as Scott puts it, “There are a lot of reasons why we’re known as the happiest place at the Iowa State Fair.”

Want to get started on your own custom building? Give us a call at 1-877-938-1654 or request a quote today.

Cost of Feeding Cattle with a Drought Consideration | Accu-Steel

Fusebox Marketing — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Developing Your Drought Plan

It seems as though every year someone, somewhere is experiencing drought and this year appears to be no exception. The UNL drought monitor indicates that most of northern IA, Hi-Plains, and the West are experiencing some level of drought that does not seem to be letting up.

When faced with drought conditions, it is important to develop a plan to deal with the impact on feed resources that will be available for your operation, whether that be a finishing yard, backgrounding yard, or cow/calf operation. Whichever the case, we need to be making the right decisions now in terms of taking care of light calves and making sure we keep cows in good enough condition to breed back and have another calf next year.

Grazing Plan

During times of drought, it is essential to have a grazing plan in place to ensure you do not overgraze and impact the future growth of rangeland when the drought passes. Some possible grazing strategies to consider are:

Delay turn-out by feeding hay an additional couple of weeks, if there is still an adequate supply of last year’s hay inventory.
Put up electric fencing within pastures to concentrate the grazing areas and frequently rotate the cattle.

Adjusting Inventory and Culling Cows

One of the most obvious choices when facing limited forage for the grazing season is to cull cows that need to be culled. Now would be the time to get rid of any wild cows, cows with bad udders, and cows that are starting to become not as profitable for your operation. Culling these cows sooner rather than later can pay off because it keeps you from selling when the market is flooded with cull cows and the price drops. If you typically background your calves on grass, it might be a good idea to look at taking those cattle to a dry lot earlier to help stretch your pastures for the cows.

Feeding Cows in Confinement

If pasture availability becomes very limited, some producers may need to consider feeding their cows in confinement. If this is the case, you need to make sure you have adequate pen and bunk space for those cows. The general recommendation for pen space is approximately 500 to 800 square feet per cow-calf pair. You should have roughly 28-36 inches of bunk space per cow, depending on her weight.

Cow rations tend to be bulkier due to the higher forage levels, therefore, having deep feed bunks will help control the amount of feed waste. Cheaper forages such as corn stalks, CRP hay, or straw can be used in cow rations to help reserve higher quality hays for backgrounding and finishing cattle. Rations can either be full-fed or limit-fed depending on your facility’s capabilities. Limit feeding cows will typically save you quite a bit of money compared to full feeding. A cost comparison of 3 different cow management systems is presented in Table 1. The input cost estimates used for this comparison are in Table 2. Based on current feed prices, it appears a semi-confinement system may be the most cost-effective way to manage the cow herd. If this is an option you would like to explore more, one of the consultants at Great Plains Livestock Consulting, Inc. would be happy to assist you https://www.gplc-inc.com/ourteam/!

Table 1. Cow Management System Cost Comparison, $/head/day

Traditional

$2.09

5 months on pasture, 4 months on pasture, and the remaining 3 months fed a lactation ration.

Total Confinement

$2.32

Fed in confinement year-round.

Semi-Confinement

$1.56

Graze stalks 5 months then fed in confinement the remainder of the year.

Table 2. Estimated Input Cost, $/head/day

Pasture Rent

$2.67

Corn Stalk Grazing Rent

$0.75

Yardage/Labor

$0.50

Grazing Mineral

$0.10

Gestation Ration Cost

$1.61

Lactation Ration Cost

$2.05

Grazing Labor

$0.10

Early Weaning Calves

During times of drought, early weaning calves can very well be essential. Weaning calves early reduces the nutrient requirements of the cows by 25-40% and reduces forage use by 20-35%, depending on the stage of lactation the cows are in when the calves are weaned. If you are going to early wean your calves, you should make sure you have a vaccination plan and feeding strategy in place. One of the biggest considerations for an early weaning program for calves will be the diet. Feeds that are low in protein and available energy (and sometimes cheaper) will not do a good job at starting early weaned calves and keeping them going. These diets need to be higher in protein (16-18% crude protein, DM basis) and moderate in safe, useable energy levels. If you would like to look at this option, a consultant at Great Plains Livestock Consulting, Inc. would be happy to assist you https://www.gplc-inc.com/ourteam/.

Creep Feeding

Creep feeding calves does not impact a cow’s milk production or forage consumption, therefore creep feeding will not have near the impact early weaning will. Usually, when feed is cheap, it pays very well to creep feed calves. In times when feed prices increase, more consideration should be taken. If pasture supply is short, but there is nowhere else to go with the cattle, then creep feeding can help. One of the best reasons for creep feeding in times like this might be the way it lets a producer train the light calf to come to the bunk to eat and thus set them up for an easier transition if the need arises to early wean those calves.

Feedlots

During times of drought harvested forages become a valuable commodity that can be hard to come by. Now is the time to start talking to growers in your area to secure your silage needs. As silage is placed into the pit, a sample should be taken for analysis to ensure that the purchase price is fair for both you and the grower.

Additionally, now would be a good time to lock in your summer contracts for byproducts, as they will be in higher demand for feeding cows or early weaned calves. It would also be good to put a plan together for managing the early-weaned calves that might be coming into the yard.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these plans will not be needed and rain will come, but if not, have your trigger dates set so that you can start destocking when needed. Remember, rank livestock by cull-ability. Getting rid of cull cows early, get yearlings off grass first, and early wean calves all before making cuts to the nebulous of the cow herd. If you feed cattle in the lot, stockpile harvested forages early and lock in summer contracts for byproducts as soon as possible.

Article provided by Great Plains Livestock Consulting Inc.

Extra Grain Storage | Accu-Steel Fabric Covered Buildings

Fusebox Marketing — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 05:00:00 GMT

An Accu-Steel contractor, has just finished building a 140 X 448 grain storage facility in Southern Iowa. It was completed just as the trucks and wagons are starting to fill with grain. This building will give the coop 1 million bushels of grain capacity. This building is equipped with a conveyor load in which is attached to our trusses. Accu-Steel’s hoop buildings are engineered to be able to support the weight or the conveyor when filling the building. This fabric building is covered with Enduro-Loc fabric which allows for natural light and airflow for a safe work environment during the long harvest hours.

Three Buildings Go to Michigan | Accu-Steel Fabric Covered Buildings

Fusebox Marketing — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 05:00:00 GMT

This week we sent out 3 buildings to Michigan. When put all together that will be over 528′ of fabric covered building. All three buildings will be equipped with our exclusive eave tensioning system keder track, and Enduro-Loc™ fabric. We can’t wait to see these amazing hoop buildings set up and to be able to share them with you.

Start Smart: Tools for Beginning Farmers | Accu-Steel

Fusebox Marketing — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Start Smart is an event that Accu-Steel alongside of the Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers, IPTVs Market to Market, and the Iowa State Fair will be hosting. This event will take place on August 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Penningroth Media Center in the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fair Grounds. At this event you will hear from experts about things such as understanding the financial programs that are available, learning how to manage risk, and how to develop a business plan to set up your farming operation. Delaney Howell, host of Iowa Public Television’s Market to Market – will be moderating a discussion between the experts. You can click the link Start Smart to register for this free event or call 1-800-932-2436. We hope to see everyone there!

Stockpile Salt Ahead of the Storm | Accu-Steel Fabric Covered Buildings

Fusebox Marketing — Sun, 19 May 2019 05:00:00 GMT

This great news segment shows how the Des Moines metro area was able to save money buying bulk road salt ahead of the winter rush and storing it in Accu Steel fabric buildings. 5 years of salt savings paid for their investment.

Keeping Livestock Comfortable | Accu-Steel Fabric Covered Buildings

Fusebox Marketing — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Another great news segment from WHO TV 13 Des Moines about cow-calf producer using Accu-Steel buildings to help keep cattle healthy and comfortable in the cold.

Accu-Steel and WHO-TV Spots | Accu-Steel Fabric Covered Buildings

Fusebox Marketing — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT

We’re always talking about our products (because we really think they are the best!), but don’t just take our word for it. Here are a couple of news segments from WHO-TV that show how an Accu-Steel Fabric building can help you protect your assets.

Chad Wilkerson, Dallas County, IA

Chad uses his barns to keep his cattle safe and comfortable during the winter months. He says it is really helpful to keep them out of the wind and cold. They really see the benefits during calving season.

Central Iowa Salt Storage Facility, Grimes, IA

Due to a lack of storage facilities, many Iowa cities were caught short in previous winters when it came to salt stockpiles. Nine cities (Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Clive, Waukee, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Grimes, and Johnston) banded together to build a storage facility that can 22,000 tons of salt. Accu-Steel was proud to be chosen for this important job.

Feel free to contact us for more information on how an Accu-Steel building may be right for you!

Accu-Steel's Donation to the Iowa State Fair | Accu-Steel

Fusebox Marketing — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 05:00:00 GMT

For the second consecutive year, Accu-Steel is set to make a donation to the Iowa State Fair. Our President, Jason Owen, and his wife, Alison Brinker, are very passionate about the fair. They see the value in the fair and the knowledge that’s shared with over 1 million visitors every year. Though we all enjoy the food, concerts and carnival rides, the Iowa State Fair offers much more!

Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair is a great opportunity to learn about Iowa’s agriculture. There are several exhibits dedicated to locally grown fruits and vegetables along with multiple days of livestock showings. In addition to exhibits dedicated to agriculture, there are buildings dedicated to local bakers, crafters, and artists. The Iowa State Fair is the ultimate goal for all 4-Hers and FFA participants. Having your project chosen for the Iowa State Fair is a great honor. There is truly something for everyone at the fair. As it’s said, nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair!

Accu-Steel’s Donation

Last year, Accu-Steel donated a 62′ x 208′ Integrity building. This structure was installed to store the footing material for the Jacobson Riding Arena on the Fairgrounds. Follow this link to learn more about our most versatile and accommodating building, the Integrity Series.

This year, we will be donating a 38′ x 64′ shelter style building that will be used as part of Van Wall’s display. Having an Accu-Steel structure as part of their booth allows for a cool, shaded area for their staff and the equipment on display. This structure is the 3rd building Accu-Steel has donated to the Iowa State Fair. The first was donated back in 2008 and is now being used as the Iowa Craft Beer stand. The Van Wall display is located directly south of the Varied Industries Building. A few vendors to the west of this structure is where you will find our own display!

Accu-Steel at the Fair

Accu-Steel’s booth will be located southwest of the Varied Industries Building. We are in the same location as last year – near the west entrance/exit of the West Skyglider by Gate 10. The fair runs from August 9th through the 19th. This is a great opportunity to visit with Accu-Steel and our dealers. We look forward to meeting you!

Blue Ribbon Foundation | Accu-Steel Fabric Covered Buildings

Fusebox Marketing — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Accu-Steel was recently featured in the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s quarterly newsletter. The article recognizes Accu-Steel for our contribution to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. It also highlights the passion that Accu-Steel President, Jason Owen, and his wife, Alison Brinker, have for the Iowa State Fair. Their enthusiasm for the fair has encouraged them to support the Foundation by donating Accu-Steel structures for the fair to use year-round. Check out this post detailing the donation made last year here!

Blue Ribbon Foundation

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation was created to preserve and renovate the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The Foundation has raised several million dollars since their beginning in 1993. The Iowa State Fair is internationally recognized and locally treasured. It is a tradition for numerous families, like Jason Owen’s, and the Foundation is dedicated to protecting it.

To learn more about the Blue Ribbon Foundation click here.