The 2017 Beef Improvement Federation convention will be held May 31-June 3 in Athens, Ga. Founded in 1968, the BIF is an organization dedicated to advancing and coordinating all segments of the beef industry.

The 2017 BIF schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, May 31


8 a.m. – Noon BIF Board Meeting

Noon – 7 p.m. Registration, Athens Classic Center Foyer

1-4 p.m. Young Producers Symposium

5:30 p.m. Reception

7 p.m. NAAB Symposium

Thursday, June 1


7 a.m. Breakfast

8 a.m. Opening comments, Georgia welcome

General Session I: The Current Value and Future Promise of Genomics for Beef Improvement

8:15 a.m. The Promise of Genomics for Beef Improvement:
Keith Bertrand and Daniela Lourenco, The University of Georgia

9 a.m. What the Beef Industry can learn about Genomics Use from Other Industries:
Tom Lawlor, Holstein Association USA

10 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. Where we are Going with Genomics and Genetic Improvement:
Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska and Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California-Davis

11:30 a.m. What you heard: Bob Weaber, Kansas State University

Noon: Awards Luncheon

Presentation of BIF Commercial Producer, Continuing Service and Ambassador Awards, Frank Baker and Larry Cundiff Scholarships

2 – 5:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions:

Advancements in Genomics and Genetic Prediction &nbsp
Chair: Mark Thallman, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center

Advancements in Producer Applications &nbsp
Chair: Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky

Advancements in Efficiency and Adaptability &nbsp
Chair: Mark Enns, Colorado State University

6:30 p.m. Evening Social/Dinner

Friday, June 2


7 a.m. – Noon Registration, Athens Classic Center Foyer

7 a.m. Breakfast

7:30 a.m. Welcome and News of the Day

General Session II: Profitability Using the Tools We Have

7:45 a.m. Strategic Use of Heterosis: Todd Thrift, University of Florida

8:30 a.m. The Power of Index Based Selection: Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky; Donnell Brown, R. A. Brown Ranch; and Larry Keenan, Red Angus Association of America

9:15 a.m. Question and Answer Session

9:30 a.m. Break

10 a.m. Investing in the Future, Heifer Development for Longevity: Justin Rhinehart, University of Tennessee

10:30 a.m. Factors affecting Feedlot Performance: Gary Fike, Tri County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative

11 a.m. Question and Answer Session

11:15 a.m. BIF caucuses and elections

Noon Awards Luncheon

Presentation of BIF Pioneer and Seedstock Producer Awards, Roy Wallace Scholarships, Introduction of newly elected BIF Board of Directors, Invitation to BIF 2018

2 p.m. Breakout Sessions:

Advancements in Emerging Technology
Chair: Megan Rolf, Kansas State University

Advancements in End Product Improvement
Chair: Tommy Perkins, International Brangus Breeders Association

Advancements in Selection Decisions
Chair: Bob Weaber, Kansas State University

5:30 p.m. BIF board meeting and board photo

Saturday, June 3


7 a.m. Tour of Georgia beef industry

For more information and registration, click here.