Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
4-9-04
Contacts:
Daryl Strohbehn, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-3020, stroh@iastate.edu
Rachel E. Martin, Iowa Beef Center, (515) 294-9124, remartin@iastate.edu
Educational Opportunities for Producers at Beef Improvement Federation Meeting
AMES, Iowa - An opportunity is coming up on May 25-28, 2004 for cattle producers in the state of Iowa, according to Daryl Strohbehn, professor, Animal Science, Iowa State University. The annual meeting of the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) is being held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The conference attracts producers and beef geneticists from all across the U.S. and various parts of the world. "I cannot think of an annual meeting that gives seedstock and commercial cow-calf producers more up-to-date information which will impact their future," Strohbehn comments.
Iowa's beef producers should take advantage of the conference's close location. "The conference is held in the Midwest only one out of four years, and even then it is often more than 500 miles away from locations in Iowa," says Strohbehn.
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leading experts on DNA fingerprinting, transgenics, new reproductive technologies, genetic prediction, live animal and carcass endpoints and the expectations and costs of meeting consumer demands. In addition, roundtable discussions between producers and scientists will occur. "This is a perfect chance for asking those burning questions that producers may have on cowherd efficiency, emerging technologies and selection decisions," Strohbehn adds.
This year's hosts for the BIF conference are South Dakota State University, Cooperative Extension Service and the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association. Two optional tours have been arranged for Friday, May 28, which includes visits to some of South Dakota's finest cattle production units.
For more information or to register for the 2004 Beef Improvement Federation conference, go online to www.bif2004.com or call the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association at (605) 945-2333. Early registration discounts apply until May 1, 2004.
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