Research Symposium and Convention; Program Now Posted
Beef Improvement Federation
The 2021 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention program is now confirmed. This year’s event will be hosted in person June 22-25 in Des Moines, Iowa.
The BIF Symposium features two and a half days of educational programming and a full day of tours. The first general session “Beef Industry: Where is it going?” will feature presentations by Michael Uetz, Midan Marketing; Jim Pillen, Pillen Family Farms; and Dr. Dan Thomson, Iowa State University Department of Animal Science chair. During the second general session the theme will be Precision Livestock Technology. Speakers Thursday will include Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, UC Davis; Justin Sexten, Precision Livestock Analytics; Pat Wall, ISU extension specialist; Reiss Bruning, Bruning Farms; and Cody Jorgensen, Jorgensen Land and Livestock.
Compiled by Candace Krebs
Celebrate “Meat-In Day” on March 20
Cities, counties, community organizations, restaurants, grocers and other businesses plan to fire up their grills, hold barbecues and celebrate the meat industry on March 20 in response to a proclamation by Colorado Governor Jared Polis declaring it “Meat Out Day.” The language in the proclamation, which is backed by a group called Farm Animal Rights Movement, claims a plant-based diet can “protect the environment by reducing our carbon footprint, preserving forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats, and reduces pollution of waterways.” Additionally, it suggests that “removing animal products from our diets reduces the risk of various ailments, including heart disease, high-blood pressure, stroke, various cancers, and diabetes.” In response, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association launched a fundraising campaign, accepting donations of $200, of which $50 will go directly to support feeding hungry children