BIF-Proceedings-Final-flip

2018 BIF Research Symposium and Convention • Proceeding Papers Welcome to Colorado for the 50th Beef Improvement Federation Meeting! The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Livestock Association and Colorado State University are excited to host the landmark 50th Annual Meeting and Research Symposium. In 1967 the idea for an organization to guide beef cattle performance recording and genetic improvement was hatched and, in 1968, the initial meeting of the Beef Improvement Federation was held here in Colorado. This year’s meeting marks the 50th or golden anniversary of the inaugural event. The founding members’ vision to bring research to production in order to improve beef cattle genetics continues to be at the forefront of this meeting, with sessions on improving carcass traits, sustainability, EPDs and much more. Thursday morning provides a look at the future of beef production, genetic improvement and diversity in perspectives on where genetic improvement should focus. Friday morning spends considerable time addressing the value and use of data – an ever-growing resource to our industry. The afternoon subcommittee sessions offer a diversity of topics, often presenting a challenge for attendees deciding which one is on the “must-attend” list. Of course, the conversations in the hall, during breakfast and at the evening socials are just as important for moving the beef industry forward. Along with the meetings, we hope you enjoy some Colorado hospitality. Starting Wednesday evening during the reception we will have some local brewers provide a special brew sampling of beers they have developed using Colorado-sourced ingredients for the summer and branded for this meeting. On Thursday, we will visit the new CSU Stadium Club for dinner. This state- of-the-art facility is less than one year old and offers some impressive views of Fort Collins and the Foothills as well. Saturday’s tours provide variety to those looking to see more of Colorado. We’ll head east to the large Five Rivers Feedlot at Kuner, then to a castle south of Denver at the Cherokee Ranch, and wrap up the day with dinner at Anheuser-Busch. These meetings and events wouldn’t be possible without the contributions from our generous sponsors, listed in the back of the program. Take some time to thank them for their support. We hope you enjoy your time in Colorado. Sallie Miller BIF 2018 Organizing Committee Chair