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, working on BIF guidelines and other behind-the-scenes activities. As BIF is a volunteer organization, it is this contribution of time and passion for the beef cattle industry that moves BIF forward.
Nelson earned her master’s in animal breeding and genetics from the University of Georgia (UGA). After completing her master’s, she joined the UGA animal breeding group while continuing her postgraduate work. During this time, Nelson primarily worked with the National Cattle Evaluation, providing research and assisting with genetics evaluation for several breed association across the U.S. and South America. She finished her doctorate at UGA in 1996 and has continued to work with the animal breeding group.
Nelson has worked on projects surrounding cattle genetics that have benefited BIF. As computers and software used in the beef industry have evolved, she has focused on research and
software development that supports beef cattle associations and other collaborators. Her research has incorporated genomic data and includes beef cattle as well as other species. Most recently she has been working on a joint project between UGA and the American Wagyu Association to edit and research production and carcass traits by utilizing performance data, pedigrees and genotypes for implementing single-step genomic evaluation.
Approximately 500 beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 56th Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Knoxville. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.
For more information about this year’s symposium, including additional award winners and coverage of meeting and tours, visit BIFSymposium.com.