Southern Iowa soils and topography are conducive to pasture and beef cattle. The ISU McNay Research Farm is located in this region.

The McNay Research Farm has a beef cow herd used for research purposes. The cows and replacement heifers are grazed on predominantly improved cool-season grass pastures. There are approximately 300 spring-calving cows and 100 fall-calving cows. Grazing season is mid-April to mid-October, or about six months (180 days).