The Beef Improvement Federation will host a Genetic Prediction Workshop in Kansas City, Missouri, Dec. 5 to 6, 2018, at the Holiday Inn KCI Airport and KCI Expo Center, 11728 NW Ambassador Drive.
The conference is designed to give academics, allied industry, breed association staff and cattle producers a forum to discuss the latest developments in beef cattle genetic evaluation strategies and plot the future course. The implementation of genomics technologies in national cattle evaluation systems will be the focus of discussion.
“Speakers will highlight their experiences, current status and challenges of genomics technology deployment at several major U.S. breed associations and genomic companies,” explains Bob Weaber, K-State professor and beef extension specialist. “Researchers will discuss challenges faced in DNA marker panel selection, multiple trait genomic studies. Last, a section of the program will focus on selection index development.”
The annual BIF Research Symposium and Conventionfocuses a large portion of the agenda to educational programming geared to enhance the skillsets of seedstock and commercial producers. The Genetic Prediction Workshop is designed to facilitate an in-depth and technical dialog among attendees to chart a course for the work to be undertaken over the coming five years.
A USDA multi-state project focused on implementation and strategies for national beef cattle genetic evaluation will meet prior to the Genetic Prediction Workshop during the evening of Dec. 4. This meeting will feature brief station reports and a business meeting.
Registration for the BIF Genetic Prediction Workshop is $160 and includes a buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and breaks during the conference. For NCERA committee members, there is no additional charge, but registration is required. Attendees must pre-register for the events by Nov. 28. Online registration and full agenda is available at www.beefimprovement.org and www.ksubeef.org in the ‘Upcoming Beef Events’ section.
For more information about the BIF Genetic Prediction Workshop or the NCERA-225 meeting, please contact Dr. Bob Weaber at 785-532-1460 or [email protected] or Lois Schreiner at 785-532-1267 or [email protected]. For more information about BIF, visit www.beefimprovement.org.
