53rd Annual BIF Research Symposium and Convention
June 22-25, 2021
The Symposium general sessions were hosted in person as well as on the Zoom webinar platform. Click on the presentation titles to watch the archived presentation on YouTube. Every other week we will be posting a presentation synopsis.
The digital content for the 2021 BIF Symposium was sponsored by International Genetic Solutions (IGS).
General Session I ~Beef Industry: Where is it Going?~
Meat Consumer Purchasing Trends & Expectations: Michael Uetz, Midan Marketing managing principal
Synopsis | Video
Lessons From Other Industries in Genetics: Jim Pillen, Pillen Family Farms owner
We Can Sell More Beef: Dr. Dan Thomson, Iowa State University Department of Animal Science chair
Synopsis | Video
What I Heard and panel discussion with morning speakers: Troy Marshall, American Angus Association director of industry relations, Michael Uetz and Dr. Dan Thomson
General Session II ~Precision Livestock Technology~
Gene Editing Today and in the Future: Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, UC Davis Animal Genomics and Biotechnology
Synopsis | Video
The Role of Technology in the Beef Industry: Justin Sexten, Precision Livestock Analytics vice president of strategy
Synopsis | Video
Applying Precision Technologies: Panel Discussion
Early implications of intelligent intake management on selection: Pat Wall, ISU extension specialist
Our experience with behavior monitoring ear tags: Reiss Bruning, Bruning Farms
Our experience with virtual fencing systems: Cody Jorgensen, Jorgensen Land and Livestock
Moderated by Justin Sexten
What I Heard and panel discussion with morning speakers: Dr. Scott Greiner, Virginia Tech University extension beef and sheep, Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam and Justin Sexten
Young Producer Symposium ~Profitability in Balance~
Managing for Profitability: John Locke, Ranching for Profit instructor and J.D. Hudgins Inc. manager
Synopsis | Video
Building a Brand: Rachel Cutrer, Ranch House Designs owner
Breeding for Profitability — Keeping Balance for the Long Haul
Producer panel: Steve Radakovich, Bart Jones and Mary Ann Kniebel. Moderated by Brian McCulloh
Technical Breakouts
Advancements in Genomics and Genetic Prediction-Chair: Dr. Mark Thallman, US-Meat Animal Research Center
Genomic Dissection and Prediction of Bull Fertility – Dr. Francisco Penagaricano, University of Wisconsin | Synopsis
Proposed Guideline Revisions for Contemporary Groups – Dr. Mark Thallman, US-Meat Animal Research Center, and Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Low-pass Sequencing Reveals Functional Genomics Affecting Cow Weight and Productivity – Dr. Warren Snelling, US-Meat Animal Research Center
Developments in Research and Implementation supporting Genomic Prediction for Australian beef cattle – Dr. David Johnston, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
Advancements in Producer Applications -Chair: Dr. Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky
Understanding the Value of Accuracy – Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Synopsis
Milk: Benefit or Burden – Ben Crites, University of Kentucky | Synopsis
Selecting for Dollars: Putting Selection Indices to Work – Dr. Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee | Synopsis
Target Selection to Meet Consumer Demands – Dr. Jennifer Bormann, Kansas State University | Synopsis
Advancements in Efficiency and Adaptability-Chair: Dr. Mark Enns, Colorado State University
Calving Ease Cows – Optimal or Extreme? – Dr. Gary Bennett, USDA-MARC | Synopsis
An Introduction to the ARS Beef Grand Challenge Project – Dr. Larry Kuehn, USDA-MARC | Synopsis
A Piece of the Adaptability Puzzle: Multi-Breed Hair Shedding Genetic Effects and EPDs – Dr. Jared Decker, University of Missouri | Synopsis
Sire Differences Within Heart and Heart Fat Score in Beef Cattle – Isabella Kukor, Colorado State University
Advancements in Emerging Technology-Chair: Dr. Megan Rolf, Kansas State University
Multi-breed genetic evaluation: How does it work for seedstock and commercial cattle? – Dr. Randie Culbertson, American Simmental Association | Synopsis
Gene-Edited Food Animals – The path from Proof of concept to Commercial Use – Dr. Tad Sonstegard, Acceligen
Use of advanced reproductive technologies and inclusion of these records in genetic evaluation – Dr. Mark Thallman and Dr. Alexandria Snider, US-Meat Animal Research Center
Practical Examples of Machine Learning in Animal Breeding – Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Advancements in End Product Improvement-Chair: Dr. Tommy Perkins, West Texas A&M University
Ultrasound Guidelines Council Update – Mr. Patrick Wall, UGC Executive Director | Synopsis
Impact of Ultrasound, Carcass and Genomic Data on Body Composition EPDs – Kelli Retallick, American Angus Association | Synopsis
Use of New Generation Ultrasound Equipment to Collect Carcass Data – Dr. Tommy Perkins, West Texas A&M University | Synopsis
Genomics Use in Improving Meat Quality in Cattle – Dr. Raluca Mateescu, University of Florida | Synopsis
Advancements in Selection Decisions- Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
An Update on and Demonstration of iGenDec – Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Examining the impact of situational indexes on selection decisions – Dr. Bruce Golden, Theta Solutions, LLC | Synopsis
An Overview of Economic Selection Indexes Offered by American Breeds – Dr. Kari White, Neogen | Synopsis
Using Beef on Dairy Data to Increase the Accuracy of Selection Decisions for Carcass Traits – Dr. Bob Weaber, Kansas State University | Synopsis
National Association of Animal Breeders Symposium
Beef on Dairy – What’s going on and Why?
The changing AI landscape: Don Trimmer, Alta Genetics
Using beef genetics in a modern dairy: Lynn Boadwine, Boadwine Farms Inc.
The benefits of beef on dairy: Randall Grimmius, Grimmius Cattle Company