Cow-Calf Commentary for Iowa Cattleman Magazine

By Randie Culbertson, Cow-Calf Extension Specialist

November 2025

Third annual Genetic Symposium focused on technology for herd improvement

The Iowa Beef Center is excited to host its Third Annual Genetic Symposium on Nov. 19-20 in Ames, Iowa. Similar to previous events, this symposium will bring together leading cattle producers, geneticists, and industry innovators to discuss the impact of genetic technologies on beef production—past, present, and future. The event will take place at the Iowa State University Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center and features a packed agenda centered on precision breeding, emerging technologies, and practical strategies for herd improvement.

This year, the symposium will emphasize the practical application of genetic tools and technologies in both seedstock and commercial beef production. Like previous symposiums, it aims to equip producers with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience, enabling them to make informed genetic decisions to enhance their herd's performance.

Schedule and Highlights

Following the format of prior symposiums, the event will kick off at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and conclude at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The symposium will begin with a panel discussion on technology use in cow herds, featuring industry panelists who have witnessed the evolution and adoption of these technologies. The afternoon will include a series of breakout sessions and a keynote address, followed by dinner. Attendees can look forward to a meal provided by the ISU Meat Lab and ice cream from the ISU Dairy Club, along with an engaging feeder calf sale simulation.

The second day will begin with technology demonstrations that provide hands-on insights for producers. Participants will observe demonstrations of various technologies, including tissue collection for DNA testing, targeted mating decisions using RightMate, and an AI simulation model. The symposium will conclude with a panel discussion where producers will share their experiences and strategies for implementing these technologies in their operations.

Breakout Session Topics

The breakout sessions will cover a variety of relevant topics, including:

  • The Basics of Genetic Selection - This session will review the foundational tools for genetic selection and improvement, covering Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), their calculations, and the data used in genetic evaluations.
  • Genetic Defects in Beef Cattle - Jessica Peterson from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln will discuss genetic defects and the process for developing tests to identify affected animals.
  • Validation of Genomic Tools in Commercial Cattle - Jamie Courter from the University of Missouri will outline the history of genomic testing in the beef industry, compare genomic predictions of dams with progeny performance, and discuss the benefits and limitations of genomics.
  • Updates on New EPDs - Devin Jacobs from the American Angus Association will present new maternal EPDs for Angus cattle.
  • Seedstock Production and Its Impact on the Commercial Cattle Feeding and Packing Industry - Mark Anderson from the North American Limousin Foundation will discuss trends in feeding cattle to larger out-weights and the genetic requirements for achieving success in feed performance and carcass composition.
  • Phenotypes are Still "King" in the Genomic Era - Elizabeth Dressler from the American Simmental Association will explain why reporting phenotypes is crucial for genetic evaluations and how these records influence genetic progress.
  • Keynote Address: Using Technology for Genetic Improvement - Marty Ropp of Allied Genetics will discuss the adoption of selection technology in the beef industry and explore how we can "beef up" efforts to drive continuous improvement in the sector.

We look forward to another exciting symposium filled with expert knowledge and networking opportunities. For more information and registration, please visit our website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/geneticsymp/. We can't wait to see you there!

Conclusion

On paper, the idea of ruthless culling is tempting to establish your "dream" cow herd, but its practicality must also be considered. As with any operational decision, the economics and financial ramifications should be considered. At the end of the day, improving reproductive efficiency of the herd (i.e., minimizing the number of open cows) could be the best solution for culling. Reducing the number of females who fail to get pregnant would provide an opportunity for the operation to cull females due to something other than reproductive efficiency. It also implies that the selection pressure and management strategies have demonstrated improved reproductive performance, the most significant driver for profitability.

 


2025 Archives

2024 Archives

2023 Archives