Iowa to Host 2021 BIF Symposium

Des Moines chosen as location for 53rd Annual Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention; program available now

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. It will feature two and a half days of educational programming and a full day of tours.

Each full day will feature a morning general session focused on broader issues, followed by an afternoon of technical breakout sessions focusing on a range of beef-production and genetic-improvement topics organized by BIF’s working committees.

Wednesday’s general session — “Beef Industry: Where is it going?” — will feature presentations by Michael Uetz, Midan Marketing; Jim Pillen, Pillen Family Farms; and Dan Thomson, Iowa State University Department of Animal Science chair. Thursday’s general session will focus on precision livestock technology. Speakers will include Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California–Davis; Justin Sexten, Precision Livestock Analytics; Pat Wall, Iowa State University Extension specialist; Reiss Bruning, Bruning Farms; and Cody Jorgensen, Jorgensen Land and Livestock.

The conference also features a Young Producer Symposium on Tuesday afternoon. This symposium is designed for networking and to equip young cattle producers with essential knowledge as they grow their role in the business.

Attendees are invited to enjoy an opening reception Tuesday evening, as well as a symposium hosted by the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB).

“The BIF Board believes it is imperative to provide ‘face-to-face’ networking and educational opportunities for its members. We understand that our in-person 2021 meetings might look a little different, but we are excited to begin meeting together again,” says Bob Weaber, BIF executive director.

Continuing its tradition since 2002, Angus Media will host online coverage of the event at www.BIFconference.com. Visit the site prior to the conference for information including a meeting schedule and details, links to online registration and an archive to coverage of previous years. Return during and after the meeting for comprehensive coverage of the event. For more information about BIF, visit www.beefimprovement.org.

Prior to and during this year’s symposium, be sure to follow the event on social media channels using the hashtag #BIF2021.