For the first time since 2019, producers were able to gather at an in-person Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention. More than 400 attendees gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, for three and a half days of workshops, award recognitions, board elections and tours. Another 250 people attended online.

The event kicked off on June 22 with a symposium for young producers. The focus was to prepare the next generation of the beef business by engaging in topics such as managing and breeding for profitability as well as how to build a brand.

“Hopefully, you can learn from the mistakes we have made in the past,” said Mary Ann Kniebel of Kniebel Cattle Co. near White City, Kan., in a panel discussion covering breeding for profitability and maintaining it for the long term.

Following the opening reception, a symposium covering beef genetics in dairy operations was sponsored by the National Association of Animal Breeders. Discussion included benefits of using beef bulls on dairy cows. Don Trimmer, Alta Genetics, shared that in 2020, more beef semen was used on dairy operations in the U.S. than was used on beef operations in the U.S.

The next morning, attendees listened to discussion about the future of the beef industry. Conversations included consumer meat-purchasing trends, how to sell more beef and genetic lessons from other species industries.

“Millennials change the way we go to market,” said Michael Utez, managing principal at Midan Marketing, explaining that this generation of consumers prefers using technological features and online platforms to purchase meat. 

In the afternoon, participants were able to select from technical breakout sessions categorized into three areas: genomics, producer applications, and efficiency and adaptability. Professors, graduate students and scientists presented topics such as sire differences within heart and heart fat score, genomic dissection and prediction of bull fertility, and target selection to meet consumer demands.

The day concluded with a social and dinner at the Iowa State University Hansen Agriculture Learning Center.

Day three was also packed with general and technical breakout sessions. The morning session covered precision livestock technology, including gene editing and the role of technology in the beef industry. A panel of speakers discussed upcoming technology in the beef industry — intelligent intake management, behavior-monitoring ear tags and virtual fencing systems.

“Listening to Justin Sexten talk about the role of technology in the beef industry resonated with me. How do we do better at capturing the most genetic value from our cattle?” said Scott Greiner, beef and sheep specialist at Virginia Tech University Extension, in his summarizing comments of the morning’s sessions. “If we are going to make better cattle and best capture value, then we need data to help us.”

Another afternoon of technical breakout sessions was divided into the areas of emerging technology, end-product improvement and selection decisions. Speakers covered research topics including multi-breed genetic evaluation, improving meat quality through genomics and using beef on dairy to enhance accuracy when selecting for carcass traits.

On the final day, participants had the chance to attend tours in eastern or western Iowa. Tours included visits at farms and businesses related to the beef and agriculture industries.

The 2022 BIF Research Symposium and Convention will be held in Las Crues, N.M., on June 1-4.

For more information about this year’s event as well as digital coverage, visit the BIF website.

BIF award recognition, new leaders

The following individuals and operations were awarded during the 2021 BIF Research Symposium and Convention:

On June 24, the following new board members and directors were elected at the annual meeting: