Iowa Beef Center’s third annual genetic symposium is Nov. 19-20
Tools and technologies for herd improvement
10/7/25
The 2025 Genetic Symposium is set for Nov. 19-20 in Ames.
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is excited to announce the third annual Genetic Symposium to be held Nov. 19-20 in Ames, at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center.
This year's symposium, planned by Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension cow calf specialist Randie Culbertson, will focus on the practical implementation of genetic tools and technologies for commercial beef production. The event is designed to provide producers, industry professionals, and students with in-depth knowledge and experience to make informed genetic decisions that enhance herd performance and profitability.
Symposium highlights and topics
The two-day event will feature a combination of classroom-style learning and hands-on sessions covering topics crucial to beef production. In addition to producer panels and a panel of leading genetic company representatives, key areas of discussion will include:
- Current tools for genetic improvement and their application.
- The importance of phenotype and data collection.
- Strategies to effectively use genomics in commercial herds.
- Updates on new Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) and genetic defects.
“Hands-on demonstrations have been a crowd favorite in the past,” Culbertson said. “During this year’s rotations, participants will get to see several technologies in action, including a demonstration of tissue collection for DNA testing, targeted mating decision using RightMate, and an AI simulation model.”
After the first day’s sessions, attendees will enjoy a dinner sponsored by Zoetis and prepared by the ISU Meat Lab, followed by some fun activities, including a mock feeder cattle auction.
Designed to increase the exposure of genetic and reproductive technologies available in the beef industry, the Genetic Symposium has been attended by over 160 cattlemen and women from nine states during its first two years. Past attendees noted that participation in the program was estimated to increase the farm’s economic return by an average of $7.50 per head for an average of nearly $1,700 per beef enterprise.
Registration details
The symposium begins Nov. 19 at noon and runs through noon on Nov. 20, with all sessions held at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, located at 2508 Mortensen Rd, Ames.
Registration is $75 per person through Nov. 13, and includes break refreshments, dinner on Nov. 19, and symposium materials. After that date, registration increases to $85 per person. A block of rooms is available at the Spring Hill Suites, 1810 SE 16th St., Ames, for $99 per room. Reservation deadline for rooms is Saturday, Nov. 1.
See the symposium website for program schedule, links to registration and lodging, and sponsorship opportunities.
For more information, contact Culbertson by email at rculber@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-6304.
-30-
The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.
Contact:
Randie Culbertson, ISU extension cow-calf specialist, 515-294-6304, rculber@iastate.edu
