57th Annual BIF Research Symposium and Convention
June 10-13 • Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 South Buchanan Street, Amarillo, Texas
Tuesday, June 10
8 am BIF Board of Directors Meeting
1 pm Young Producer Symposium: Making your (young) voice heard
If you are young, or young at heart, come learn about constructing a positive dialog around farm/ranch transition planning, and how build a great business culture. We will explore how to develop a pioneering spirit, using social media to share your story, and how to grow your professional network.
Welcome – Dr. Gordon Jones, BIF President
Opening Remarks — Dr. Tom Field, Engler Chair, UNL, emcee
Strategies to secure your future in a family business: transition planning for the younger generation – Tiffany Lashmet, JD, Extension Ag Law Specialist, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
Leaving a legacy: building and growing a great corporate culture in a family business – Trevor Caviness, Caviness Beef Packers, Ltd.
Making your (young voice heard) Agvocacy panel discussion — Matt Perrier, Practically Ranching Podcast, moderator
Panelists: Tucker Brown, RA Brown Ranch; Brandi Buzzard and Addie Brown, WTAMU student
Professional development: a guide to building your professional network and mentor relationships — Grady Bishop, Elanco
5 pm Opening Reception and Scholarship Reception
Presentation of the Roy Wallace Scholarship and Frank Baker & Larry Cundiff scholarships
7 pm NAAB Symposium
The drivers of large-scale artificial insemination adoption in Brazil and its
role in supply chain development – Leandro Cruppe, Director of Research
and Development, Select Sires do Brasil, and Dr. Reinaldo Cooke,
Burkhart Endowed Professor of Beef Cattle Research, Texas A&M
University
Wednesday, June 11
8 am Welcome
General Session I: Beef Industry Profitability: Conflicting market signals and profit drivers in the beef value chain. What role does the breeding system and animal selection play in adding value to the beef chain.
Today’s beef consumer: who are they, what do they say and what do they want? — Dr. Mandy Carr, Sr. Executive Director, Scientific Affairs, NCBA
Feedlot and packing system profit drivers: an overview of the far end of the beef value chain — Dr. Ty Lawrence, WTAMU
Break and Graduate Poster Sessions
Managing the antagonisms between the cow-calf and feeding/packing sectors from a producer perspective — Sam Hands, Triangle H Cattle Co.
Beef on Dairy Panel Discussion – Targeted Genetics to enhance success and Sustainability, Challenges/Opportunities, Data Sharing, Sire Selection, Objectives compared to traditional native beef — Moderated by Dr. Brad Johnson, Gordon W. Davis Regent’s Chair in Meat and Muscle Biology Texas Tech University
Dr. Nick Hardcastle, Cargill; Ian Wheal, breedr; Tony Lopes, Precision Genetic Solutions; Brandon Beavers, Full Circle Jerseys; and Jim Simpson Nutrition Services
Noon Awards Luncheon
Presentation of BIF Commercial Producer, Continuing Service and Ambassador Awards
2 pm Technical Breakouts
— Advancements in Genomics and Genetic Prediction, chaired by Dr. Warren Snelling, US Meat Animal Research Center
2 pm Predicting feed efficiency traits using host genomic and rumen metagenomic data – Dr. Drew Lakamp, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
2:40 pm Leveraging circulating phenotypes for genetic progress – Dr. Emilie Baker, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, West Texas A&M University
3:20 pm Break
3:40 pm Recent developments in the genetic analysis of gas fluxes and metabolic heat production in grazing beef cattle – Elizabeth Dressler, Kansas State University
4:20 pm Multibreed genetic evaluations, applications, and opportunities in emerging markets: beef on dairy – Dr. Yeni L. Bernal Rubio, Zoetis
— Advancements in Producer Applications, chaired by Dr. Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee
2 pm Bull buying behaviors: understanding your commercial customer’s decision making – Dr. Charley Martinez, University of Tennessee
2:40 pm Validating commercial genomic tests – Dr. Jamie Courter, University of Missouri
3:20 pm Break
3:40 pm Improving recipient pregnancy outcomes through screening for vaginal biomarkers – Dr. Tasha Gruhot, Vytelle
4:20 pm Genetic influences on feedlot outcomes – Dr. Jason Smith, Texas AgriLife Extension
— Advancements in Efficiency and Adaptability, chaired by Dr. Mark Enns, Colorado State University
2 pm Heritability and variance component estimation for feed and water intake behaviors of feedlot cattle – Elizabeth Dressler, Kansas State University
2:35 pm Water intake and efficiency as a component of genetic selection for sustainable cattle production – Dr. Dinesh Thekkoot, Vytelle
3:10 pm Break
3:20 pm Progeny testing in commercial operations – outcomes, benefits and lessons learnt – Dr. Jason Archer, Beef and Lamb New Zealand
4 pm Genetic Influence on the Ocular Microbiome: An Initial Step Towards Reducing Pinkeye Susceptibility – Dr. Andrew Lakamp, University of Nebraska
4:35 pm Updates to $Value indexes at the American Angus Association. Dr. John Crowley, AbacusBio
6:30 pm Off-Site Social & Shark Tank Competition — WT Arena
Thursday, June 12
8 am Welcome
General Session II: Sustainability: Improving our product through selection, applications of technology and data integration
Global and domestic perspectives on beef sustainability: Innovation for a more sustainable food supply – Dr. Matthew Cleveland, Senior Director, Global Bovine Sustainability, ABS Global
AI/ML in animal improvement (from phenotypes to genetic evaluation) – Dr. Guilherme Rosa, Precision Livestock Production and Breeding, U. of Wisconsin
Break and Graduate Student Poster Session
Global perspectives on GHG emissions from beef sector: opportunities and pitfalls – Dr. Jason Archer, Head of Genetics, Beef + Lamb NZ
Economics of Sustainability decisions and strategies for US beef value chain – Ben Weinheimer, CEO, Texas Cattle Feeders Association
11:30 am BIF Board Caucus and Elections
Noon Awards Luncheon
Presentation of BIF Pioneer and Seedstock Producer awards, Graduate Student Poster Awards, retiring president’s comments, introduction of newly elected BIF Board of Directors and invitation to BIF 2026
2 pm Technical Breakouts
— Advancements in Emerging Technology, chaired by Dr. Megan Rolf, Kansas State University
2 pm Session Introduction – Dr. Larry Kuehn, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
2:15 pm Methane Measurement Techniques Overview – Dr. Jason Osterstock, Vytelle, Dr. Degong Pang, C-Lock, and Dr. Hinaya Oliveria, MooLooger
3 pm Break
3:15 pm Panel Discussion: Use of methane measurement technologies in genetic evaluation – Dr. Larry Kuehn, Moderator
4:30 pm Opportunities to leverage both genomic and metagenomic data to predict enteric methane – Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
— Advancements in End Product Improvement, chaired by Dr. Tommy Perkins, West Texas A & M University
2 pm Extended days on feed: Influences on growth performance, efficiency, and carcass characteristics of steers and heifers of different proportions of Angus and Limousin genetics – Dr. Warren Rusche and Ms. Grace Olinger, South Dakota State University
2:45 pm The Influence of Breed of Origin on Carcass Characteristics – Dr. Emilie Baker, West Texas A&M University
3:30 pm Break
3:45 pm Improving Beef Carcass Cut Utilization in Heavyweight Cattle – Dr. Trent Schwartz, West Texas A&M University
4:30 pm Ultrasound Guidelines Council bylaws update – Patrick Wall, Ultrasound Guidelines Council
— Advancements in Selection Decisions, chaired by Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2 pm Current progress in development of prototype selection tools for male fertility in beef cattle – Dr. Megan Rolf, Kansas State University
2:45 pm Implementing Beef x Dairy growth traits into National Cattle Evaluation – Dr. Ryan Boldt, International Genetic Solutions
3:30 pm Break
3:45 pm Using methane information in balanced beef breeding decisions – Dr. Jason Archer, Beef + Lamb New Zealand
4:30 pm Increasing capacity to select for improved feed efficiency by focusing on energetic losses – Dr. Bailey Engle, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
5:30 pm BIF Board of Directors Meeting
Dinner on your own
Friday, June 13 — 7:30 am to 5 pm
Cattle Feeding and Meats Industry Tour
This tour heads west through Hereford, Texas, and the heart of the cattle feeding and meats processing industry. Stops include Caviness Beef Packers, a 3rd generation family operation serving the beef and dairy industry as one the nation’s largest cow processors. A guided bus tour of a major beef cattle feedyard is of course a must, along with a visit to a progressive seedstock operation. A unique tour highlight is a stop at a unit train rail facility that showcases the incredible technology and logistics involved in the daily delivery of feedstuffs to the regional cattle feeding and dairy industries.
Stewardship and Innovation – People, Ranches and Dairies
This tour goes north to Dumas and Dalhart, Texas, and features historic ranches, family legacies, and innovative approaches to building sustainable operations. Enjoy the beautiful Blue Ranch, a family operation and winner of multiple rangeland and environmental stewardship awards in 2024. The stop will highlight the ranch’s grazing management plans along with the colorful history of the founder’s critical community support during the dust bowl. Full Circle Jerseys is an innovative crops, beef cattle, and dairy cattle operation.