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.