By Trish Svoboda

Enrollment has begun for the 2024 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention, taking place from June 10-13 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The event offers two and a half days of instructive sessions centered on enhancing maternal traits and efficiency. Other highlights include a Welcome Reception on Monday night, lunches on both Tuesday and Wednesday, and a special off-site social gathering with dinner on Tuesday evening.

The event begins Monday, June 10, at 1:00 p.m. with the Young Producer Symposium followed by the Welcome and Scholarship Reception. That night, a Feeder Cattle Panel will focus on the importance of improved genetics and health in feeder cattle production.

The general session on Tuesday will center on “Building a better cow”, with presentations by Dr. Jared Decker, University of Missouri; Dr. Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky; Dr. Rick Machen, King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management; Dr. Bob Weaber, Kansas State University; and Dr. Dave Lalman, Oklahoma State University.

The theme of building maternal excellence will carry into Wednesday’s general session. The speakers for this session will feature Dr. Christine Baes from the University of Guelph, Dr. Larry Kuehn from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, and Dr. Mike Coffey from Scotland’s Rural College.

Wednesday’s general session theme will continue the theme of building maternal excellence and speakers will include Dr. Christine Baes, University of Guelph; Dr. Larry Kuehn, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center; and Dr. Mike Coffey, Scotland’s Rural College.

Technical breakout sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will concentrate on various topics related to beef production and genetic enhancement.

For registration and more symposium details, including hotel information, visit BIFSymposium.com. Before and during this year’s symposium, be sure to follow the event on social media channels using the hashtag #BIF2024.