Commercial and seedstock producers have an opportunity to learn the latest information about beef genetics and how to apply that knowledge to improve their herds during the Beef Improvement Federation Convention that will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska June 18-21, 2014.

"This conference brings together leaders in the beef industry and research fields to discuss issues surrounding genetics, technology, and management to help improve profitability and efficiency," said Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) located in Clay Center, Nebraska. To mark that anniversary the convention will kick off with a welcome reception beginning at 5 p.m. on June 18 followed by a USMARC Symposium: 50 Years of Service to the Beef Industry.

Some of the other topics that will be covered June 19 and 20 include economic considerations for profitable cow herds, heifer intake and feed efficiency, heifer development strategies, selection for novel traits, genetics of disease susceptibility, genetically changing the nutrient profile of beef, nutritionally changing the fatty acid profile of beef, improving feed efficiency in the feedlot, and the relationship between selection for feed efficiency and methane production.

Register before May 31 and save

The cost for the full conference is $300 if registered before May 31 with student and day only rates available. After May 31 the costs increase by $50.

For a full schedule including online registration and lodging information, please visit http://www.BIFconference.com.

–SDSU Extension