Symposium
Matching Cattle Genetics to the Environment
“Is it worthwhile to try and match your genetics to the environment?” asked Dr. Jared Decker, Wurdack Chair of Animal Genomics, University of Missouri, to launch his presentation during the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 11. According to Decker environmental stressors, like fescue toxicosis, cost…
Modern and Precise: Using Gene Editing to Change the Blueprint of an Organism
“Gene editing is the use of modern molecular technology to precisely change the DNA sequence of an organism. And the key words here are modern and precisely,” said Dr. Jon Beever from the University of Tennessee during his presentation titled “Biotechnology 101: A practical guide to gene editing and vaccinology”…
BIF Selects New Board, Officers
2024-2025 Beef Improvement Federation Board of Directors (seated, from left) are Gordon Jones, Lafayette, Tenn., president; Gordon Hodges, Hamptonville, N.C., vice president; Kevin Schultz, Haviland, Kan., past president; Bob Weaber, Kansas State University, BIF executive director; Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USDA Extension Service representative; Megan Rolf, Kansas State University,…
Bullock Presented BIF Pioneer Award
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Darrh Bullock, Georgetown, Kentucky, the BIF Pioneer Award June 12 during the group’s annual research symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee. The BIF Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle, honoring those who have had a major role…
Beever Presented BIF Pioneer Award
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Jon Beever, Knoxville, Tennessee, the BIF Pioneer Award June 12 during the group’s annual research symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee. The BIF Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle, honoring those who have had a major role…
Red Hill Farms Named BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) recognized Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, Tennessee, as the BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year on June 12 during the group’s annual research symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee. This national award is presented annually to a producer to recognize their dedication to improving the beef industry at…
Lakamp Wins BIF’s Shark Tank Competition
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) hosted its first “Shark Tank” competition June 11 during the group’s Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Knoxville, Tennessee. The competition, sponsored by the Beef Research Fund, was developed with the goal of increasing student involvement in the annual meeting. Drew Lakamp, University of Nebraska,…
Fenco Farms Named BIF Commercial Producer of the Year
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Fenco Farms the BIF Commercial Producer of the Year Award June 11 during the group’s annual research symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee. This national award is presented annually to a producer to recognize their dedication to improving the beef industry at the commercial level. Fenco…
Nelson Presented Continuing Service Award
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Andra Nelson, Watkinsville, Georgia, a BIF Continuing Service Award June 11 during the group’s annual research symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee. Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF conventions,…
Thrift Presented Continuing Service Award
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Todd Thrift, Gainesville, Florida, a BIF Continuing Service Award June 11 during the group’s annual research symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee. Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF conventions,…