News and Announcements
“Shark Tank” Competition Announced
This new competition, open to both undergraduate and graduate students at US and Canadian institutions, is sponsored by the Beef Improvement Federation with the goal of increasing graduate student involvement in the annual meeting. It will consist of two phases: a written proposal and an invited oral presentation. If you…
BIF Symposium Registration is Open
MANHATTAN, KAN. – Registration is now open for the 2024 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention that will be hosted June 10-13 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Participants can save $50 if they register by May 1. Full registration before May 1 is $250. This includes two and one-half days…
BIF Award Program Applications Due
Deadlines for Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) award applications are approaching quickly. Each year BIF recognizes a Seedstock Producer of the Year and Commercial Producer of the Year. The deadline for both awards is March 15. Application forms are posted to the BeefImprovement.org website “Award Forms” page under the “Resource Center”…
2024 BIF Symposium Program Announced
Make plans now to attend the 2024 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention that will be hosted June 10-13 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The BIF Symposium features two and one-half days of educational programming focused on improving maternal traits and efficiency. Monday, June 10, kicks off with the Young…
Genetic Prediction Workshop Planned
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) will host a Genetic Prediction Workshop in Kansas City, Missouri, December 18-20, 2023, at the Embassy Suites Kansas City Airport. The conference is designed to give academic and research scientists, extension specialists, allied industry, and breed association leadership and technical staff a forum to discuss…
2023 ACROSS-BREED EPD TABLE AND IMPROVEMENTS
by Larry Kuehn and Mark Thallman Across-Breed EPD (ABEPD) Adjustment Factors: National Cattle Evaluation (NCE), and the resulting Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), have resulted in substantial genetic change since their inception in the 1970s. However, EPDs are generally only comparable within breed because of differences in the genetic base. Since…
BETSY Delivers Sophisticated Phenotyping System
OneCup AI developed Bovine Expert Tracking and Surveillance Technology (BETSY) to monitor and track animal health, welfare, activity, growth and nutrition. “OneCup AI has designed an artificial intelligence (AI) technology using computer vision that is named BETSY, which stands for Bovine Expert Tracking and Surveillance,” explained Mokah Shmigelsky, OneCup AI….
BIF Selects New Board, Officers
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) announced new directors and officers July 5 during the group’s annual symposium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Kevin Schultz, Haviland, Kansas, was introduced as the 2023-24 BIF president during the Wednesday awards luncheon. Gordon Jones, Lafayette, Tenn., is the new vice president. Directors reelected to serve…
Bauck Presented BIF Pioneer Award
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Stewart Bauck, Lincoln, Nebraska, the BIF Pioneer Award July 5 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle, honoring those who have had a major role…
Snelling Presented BIF Pioneer Award
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Warren Snelling, Lawrence, Nebraska, the BIF Pioneer Award July 5 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle, honoring those who have had a major role…