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* 1. Select your top choice you'd like to see repeated (See session descriptions below):

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* 2. Select your second choice you'd like to see repeated:

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* 3. Select your third choice you'd like to see repeated:

8:15 am – 9:15 am
Genetic Technologies on The Horizon
Adrienne Massey, Ph.D., BIO, and Matt Spangler, Ph.D., University of Nebraska

The revolution of genomic-enabled tools has just begun in the cattle industry. Join this session to learn about tools and techniques currently available in the research and development phase, and the ideas that may soon be a reality. You’ll also hear about consumer perceptions of these technologies and regulatory pressures providing headwinds to their development and use.

Calf Management – Clostridial Disease ID, Prevention, Treatment
Vic Cortese, D.V.M., Ph.D., DIPL. ABVP, Zoetis

The new information on calf health and performance is changing how we view the first few months in the calf’s life.  This early development may impact health and performance for the rest of the animal’s life. Calf management will be discussed with a special emphasis on Clostridial diseases and their prevention.

Capturing Maximum Value in Beef Cattle Production
Gary Smith, Ph.D., Texas A & M University, and Dustin Pendell, Ph.D., Kansas State University

The beef industry can do a better job at capturing efficiencies, reducing defects, eliminating poor eating experiences and maximizing customer satisfaction. This was the premise of economist Chuck Lambert’s 1991 white paper, Lost Opportunities in Beef Production. Join this session to discuss progress we have made in addressing Lambert’s observations and where we continue to have opportunities to capture value as an industry.

9:30 am – 10:30 am
Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Federal Agencies
John Ruhs and Tim Murphy, Bureau of Land Management

Stories associated with ranchers dealing with federal land management agencies are often negative. Come learn about success stories that involved ranchers and federal agencies working together in a collaborative effort to reach beneficial outcomes.
The Straight Story: Antibiotic Alternatives and the Future of Treating Diseases
Keith Belk, Ph.D. Colorado State University; Tony Bryant, Ph.D.; Kuner Feedyard and Ben Holland, Ph.D., Cactus Feeders

There is relentless pressure from buyers of beef, NGOs, and government regulators to reduce use of in-feed antibiotics in cattle production. This session will provide an update on research into alternatives to the use of antibiotics in production, the consequences of removing antibiotics from feed, and future opportunities to replace antibiotics in the diet.

Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies:  Frequency of Occurrence, Effects, and Economic Losses to Producers
Jeffrey Hall, D.V.M., Ph.D., Utah State University

Many cattle producers across the country face vitamin/mineral deficiencies in their animals. This session focuses on those deficiencies. Dr. Hall will discuss the frequency of deficiencies and the health and economic impact they have on the herd. Learn about the different testing strategies for vitamin and mineral deficiencies and how to effectively use the diagnostic data.  

Live Cattle Import & Export: Adding Value by Crossing Borders
Renee Strickland, Strickland Exports, and Johnny Fleischer, JM Fleischer Cattle Corp.

What is the process for importing or exporting live cattle? Here’s your chance to hear from two producers who experience it regularly. Renee Strickland and Johnny Fleischer will describe what it’s like moving cattle across the border or flying them across the globe. Learn about government regulations, health requirements, and inspection challenges that may arise, as well as security and biosecurity concerns.  

Let’s Get Real: Breeding & Selecting Cattle For Western Ranches
Chuck Backus, Quarter Circle U Ranch, and Bob Skinner, Skinner Ranches, Inc.

Ranchers in western states face many challenges. One of those is making sure cattle fit their environment. Do new tools like indexes and genomic testing benefit producers in tough environments? Listen to two progressive ranchers discuss how they make decisions when selecting genetics and cattle that will thrive in the rugged western United States.

10:45 am – 11:45 am
Genetic Testing in the Real World
Jimmy Taylor; Taylor Ranch, Ryan Noble, Noble Ranch LLC; and Feeder

Receive first-hand feedback from producers who have successfully put genomic testing to work for better informed breeding and marketing decisions. This interactive producer panel discussion will shed light on how new genetic tools are being used to help reduce risk, improve productivity, constrain costs, and open doors to price premiums for replacements, feeders and fed cattle.
Techniques for Judicious Use of Antibiotics
Dave Sjeklocha, D.V.M., Cattle Empire

Antibiotic use is a major concern for consumers and health professionals. While the science behind these concerns is fairly inconclusive at this point, it is clear that food animal production must address not only these concerns, but also how we use these tools. In this presentation, Dr. Sjeklocha will discuss ways to manage cattle to reduce the use of antibiotics, how to select the proper antibiotic when it is needed, and attitudes about antibiotic use.

True Stories of Beef Business Survival
Joe Leathers, 6666 Ranch; Jerry Bohn, NCBA Policy Division Vice-Chair; and Lydia Yon, Yon Family Farms

Agriculture, particularly the cattle business, is not for the faint of heart. Join this panel of producers representing the diverse scope of our industry as they share their experiences planning for and reacting to challenges, ultimately overcoming obstacles to stay in business over the long haul. 

Infectious Diseases Update
J.J. Goicoechea, D.V.M., Nevada State Veterinarian

Western states face their own unique challenges when it comes to infectious and reportable diseases. Join the Nevada state veterinarian, a cattle rancher himself, for updates on some of the toughest and most costly diseases in the region. This session will focus on different state control programs for Trichomoniasis, BVD, and other reportable diseases. Discussions will center around changes to programs, testing protocols, and success or failure of decreasing incidence of disease.

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