What’s discussed at the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention today provides a glimpse at beef production advancements in the future. This year’s conference in Calgary, Alberta, focused on collecting and managing large amounts of data, creating tools for cattlemen that don’t exist today and discussing hot topics like the genetic role in methane emissions and heart function. When academia, industry and production segments all gather, there’s sure to be a lot of questions and answers — this podcast brings you the highlights. 

HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Kelli Retallick-Riley 

GUESTS: Joe Epperly, Wagonhammer Ranches, is a third-generation Angus breeder raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. He spent most of his youth exhibiting livestock, helping on the family farm and working at the family’s livestock market. 

He worked at the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) before moving to Wagonhammer Ranches in Albion, Neb., where he’s the director genetics and sales. He’s a former National Junior Angus Association Board member, current president of the Nebraska Angus Association and immediate past president of BIF.  

Dick Beck, vice president of sales and marketing at ORIgen, has been involved in livestock production and marketing for his entire life. As a former regional manager for the American Angus Association and general manager of Three Trees Ranch, in Sharpsburg, Ga., he brought a well-rounded view of the industry to his position at ORIgen. He and his wife, Diane, have two daughters who were active in the National Junior Angus Association, with the third generation involved today.  

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