6 July 2012

2 minute read

North America

The event is a combined national meeting of the Red Angus Association of American and the American Simmental Association, but commercial producers and others industry participants are invited to attend, according to Bob Weaber, cow-calf specialist with K-State Research and Extension.

"Our world-class faculty in the Department of Animal Science and Industry is excited to host the meeting of these two industry leading organizations on our campus," said Ken Odde, department head.

"The opportunity for our faculty and graduate students to interact with members of these organizations while they explore the next generation of selection tools for the beef industry is invaluable."

The meeting includes registration from 2-5 p.m. and an opening reception, official welcome and panel discussion at 5 p.m. on Sunday, 22 July at K-State's Weber Hall. Monday, 23 July includes a full day of panel discussions, keynote speakers and concurrent sessions and Tuesday, 24 July includes several rotating sessions. Presentation topics include:

• Genetic Improvement from Peas to DNA.
• Profit Simplified - the Role of Economic Indexes.
• Beef Industry Spokesmanship and Communications.
• How Will Disease Control Impact our Seedstock Businesses.
• Should We Database Confirmation Traits?
• Profit Drivers in the Feed Yard.
• Fertility and Heterosis…it's a Fact
• Survive or Thrive - the Future of Breed Associations.
• Can We Really Blend Shows and ERTs?
• Cutting Costs in Cowherds with Genetics.
• Do Premium Branded Beef Programs Want My Cattle?
• So, You Aspire to be an Elite Seedstock Producer?

A highlight of the program, and something unusual in a meeting like this, said Weaber, is the opportunity for producers to view live animals and test their skill at estimating carcass measurements on Sunday.

Those animals will be harvested on Monday and K-State meat science professor Michael Dikeman will lead a discussion on evaluating the carcasses on Tuesday.

TheCattleSite News Desk