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Symposium Schedule

2017 BIF Research Symposium and Convention

May 31 to June 3 • Athens Classic Center • Athens, Ga.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017
 
8 a.m.–noon
  BIF Board Meeting
 
Noon–7 p.m.
  Registration, Athens Classic Center Foyer
 
1–4:00 p.m.
 

Young Producers Symposium
• Starting from scratch: Tips for building an operation from the ground up — Kevin and Lydia Yon, Yon Family Farm, Ridge Spring, SC

• Smart financial planning: Business planning and loan approval for young cattlemen — Durt Lacy, Mississippi State University

• Marketing Challenges your dad didn't face: Understanding millennial consumers and social marketing strategies — Amanda Radke, rancher, marketing specialist and correspondent for BEEF magazine, Mitchell, SD

 
5:30 p.m.
  Reception
 
7 p.m.
 

National Association of Animal Breeders Symposium

The benefits of proven genetics and artificial insemination
Les Anderson, University of Kentucky
• Dave Patterson, University of Missouri

Thursday, June 1, 2017
 
7 a.m.
  Breakfast
 
8 a.m.
  Opening comments, Georgia welcome
    General Session I: The current value and future promise of genomics for beef improvement; moderator: Keith Bertrand, University of Georgia
 
8:15 a.m.
  The promise of genomics for beef improvement
— Daniela Lourenco, University of Georgia
 
9 a.m.
  What the beef industry can learn about genomics use from other industries?
— Tom Lawlor, Holstein Association USA
 
10 a.m.
  Break
 
10:30 a.m.
  Where we are going with genomics and genetic improvement
— Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska and
— Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California–Davis
 
10:30 a.m.
  Genetics of meat science: What traits can we improve genetically that affect the value/palatability of beef?
— Keith Belk, Colorado State University
 
11:30 a.m.
  What you heard: Summary of morning sessions
— Bob Weaber, Kansas State University
 
Noon
  Awards luncheon
 
  Presentation of BIF Commercial Producer, Continuing Service and Ambassador Awards, Frank Baker and Larry Cundiff scholarships
 

2–5:30 p.m.

 

 

Breakout Sessions:

  • Advancements in genomics and genetic prediction
    Chair: Mark Thallman, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC)
    — Genomic prediction developments at American Angus Association, Stephen Miller, American Angus Association
    — A new cow fertility prediction, Bruce Golden, Theta Solutions
    — Considerations for adjusting carcass traits to differing end points, Matt Spangler, USMARC
    — BIF subcommittee report on across-breed EPD programs, Larry Kuehn, USMARC
  • Advancements in producer applications
    Chair: Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky
    — Panel discussion: Implications of multi-breed evaluations and across-breed EPDs for commercial cattlemen, Bruce Golden, Theta Solutions; Larry Kuehn, USMARC; Matt Spangler, USMARC; Joe Epperly, North American Limousin Foundation
    — Local genetic adptation project, Jared Decker, University of Missouri
    —Genetics of reproduction project, Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California–Davis
  • Advancements in efficiency and adaptability
    Chair: Mark Enns, Colorado State University
    — Evaluating sustained cow production: Alternate definitions of stayability, Scott Speidel, Colorado State University
    — Cow and bull fertility in a fescue-challenged environment, Justin Rhinehart, University of Tenneessee
    — Beef cattle climate adaptability: How can genomics help?
    — Feed intake in Brangus cattle: Experiences and recommendations, Lisa Kriese-Anderson, Auburn University
 
6:30 p.m.
  Evening social/dinner
Friday, June 2, 2017
 
7 a.m.–noon
  Registration, Athens Classic Center Foyer
 
7 a.m.
  Breakfast
 
7:30 a.m.
  Welcome and news of the day
 
  General Session II: Profitability using the tools we have; moderator: Lawton Stewart, University of Georgia
 
7:45 a.m.
  Strategic use of heterosis
— Todd Thrift, University of Florida
 
8:30 a.m.
  The power of index-based selection
— Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky; Donnell Brown, R. A. Brown Ranch; and Larry Keenan, Red Angus Association of America
 
9:15 a.m.
  Question and answer session
 
9:30 a.m.
  Break
 
10:00 a.m.
  Investing in the future, heifer development for longevity
— Justin Rhinehart, University of Tennessee
 
10:30 a.m.
  Factors affecting feedlot profitability
— Gary Fike, Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative
 
11:00 a.m.
  Question and answer session
 
11:15 a.m.
  BIF caucuses and elections
 
Noon
  Awards Luncheon

What you heard, charge
Presentation of BIF Pioneer and Seedstock Producer Awards, Roy Wallace Scholarships, Introduction of newly elected BIF Board of Directors, Invitation to BIF 2018

 
2 p.m.
  Breakout Sessions
  • Advancements in emerging technology
    Chair: Megan Rolf, Kansas State University
    — Update on the GGP-F250 and loss of function lethals, Jerry Taylor, University of Missouri
    — How genome editing could synergistically accelerate animal genomics, Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California–Davis
    — Economic risk analysis of embryo transfer programs through stochastic simulation, Dustin Aherin, Kansas State University
    — Basics and prospects in epigenetics, Chad Niederhuth, University of Georgia
  • Advancements in end product improvement
    Chair: Tommy Perkins, International Brangus Breeders Association
    — Field-testing $BEEF in purebred cattle, Tom Brink, Red Angus Association of America
    — Insights from ongoing beef flavor research, Bridget Wasser, National Cattlemen's Beef Association
    — Genetic improvement of carcass traits in Bos indicus-inluenced cattle, Raluca Mateescu, University of Florida
    — Transcriptiome data supporting early prediction of carcass merit in young cattle, Heather Dunn and Matt Burns, Clemson University
  • Advancements in selection decisions
    Chair: Bob Weaber, Kansas State University
    — Genomic analysis of udder traits in tropically adapted beef cows, Mallory Tollenson, Clare Gill, Andy Herring, Penny Riggs, Jason Sayer, Jim Sanders and David Riley, Texas A&M University
    — Exploring variation in beef cattle water intake and utilization, Cashley Ahlberg, Kansas State University
    — Making the most of genetic selection in a challenging environment, David Genho, Alico Inc.
    — Development of genomic pipeline for IGS BOLT genetic evaluations
 
5:30 p.m.
  BIF board meeting and board photo
Saturday, June 17, 2017
 
8:00 a.m.
  Tour of Georgia beef industry
 
 

Download a pdf of the symposium schedule.

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