Producer Benefits

Cattlemen from various industry segments share how USMARC has impacted their operations.

by Troy Smith, field editor, Angus Journal^®

LINCOLN, Neb. (June 18, 2014) — It was no accident that Nebraska was chosen to host the 2014 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Meeting & Research Symposium. Staging the convention in the state’s capitol city of Lincoln also afforded an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), located near Clay Center, Neb. During an opening session that recognized USMARC research accomplishments, a panel of producers cited ways the center has contributed to beef industry progress.

Leading off was past Nebraska Cattlemen (Association) president and North Platte seedstock breeder Bill Rishel, who noted USMARC’s part in development of instrument grading of beef and the resulting improvements to product consistency. He cited USMARC collaboration with land-grant universities in the muscle-profiling studies that led to the development of new added-value beef cuts. Rishel also noted USMARC’s role in development of beef-processing technologies that improve food safety.

“That research has impacted the livelihoods of us all,” stated Rishel, “and it’s significant that the data and information resulting from that research is in the public domain. We all have access.”

Iowa cattle breeder Dave Nichols noted how, since 1950, the U.S. beef industry has tripled production per cow, giving credit to the influence of USMARC research. He credited USMARC for its role in development of genomics, calling genomic profiles the most exciting selection tool since development of expected progeny difference (EPD) values.

Recounting his experience as a fledgling breeder dealing with dwarfism, Nichols said, “Testing for genetic abnormalities is a terrific help to the industry.”

Nichols said he expects new advancements in genomics to aid breeders in selection for metabolic efficiency, disease resistance, cow stayability and healthfulness of beef.

Also on the panel was Burke Teichert, a past manager of Deseret Ranch properties, who commented on how USMARC research has benefited commercial cattle producers, particularly due to the Germplasm Evaluation Project showing the advantages of heterosis.

“Information coming out of MARC helped me develop my systems approach and greatly influenced the way I managed ranches,” stated Teichert.

Nebraska cattle feeder Chuck Folken talked about the challenges associated managing feedlot waste under the increasingly watchful eyes of government regulators. He noted how MARC personnel work with producers to develop improved waste-handling systems and prove that cattle-feeding operations are environmentally sustainable.

According to Folken, USMARC research and guidance is helping the beef industry “achieve better days through better ways.”

The 2014 BIF Annual Meeting & Research Symposium was hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and the Nebraska Cattlemen June 18-21 in Lincoln, Neb. The Angus Journal and LiveAuctions.tv provide comprehensive online coverage of the event at www.BIFconference.com. Visit the Newsroom for summaries, proceedings, PowerPoints and audio of the sessions; the Awards page for announcements of award winners; and the Photos page for galleries of photos from the meeting and the tours.

Editor’s Note: This summary was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal.Through an agreement with the Beef Improvement Federation, we are encouraging reprinting of the articles to those who will adhere to the reprint guidelines available on this site. Please review those guidelines or contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270. PowerPoints are posted with permission of the presenter and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the presenter.

API's coverage of the event is made possible through collaboration with BIF and sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv. For questions about this site, or to notify us of broken links, click here.

Headquartered in Saint Joseph, Mo., API publishes the Angus Journal, the Angus Beef Bulletin, the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, and the Angus Journal Daily, as well as providing online coverage of events and topics pertinent to cattlemen through the Angus Journal Virtual Library.