A symposium focusing on genetic selection program opportunities for large commercial ranches is set for Dec. 9-10 in Kansas City, MO. Sponsored by the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium, the program will focus on DNA testing for parentage and selecting the better-performing sires to manage genetic variation. Topics and presenters include:

  • Discussion of the Commercial Ranch Project and Bell Ranch Pilot Study (John Pollak).

  • Return-on-investment opportunities from the Commercial Ranch Project (Bob Weaber).

  • DNA testing for parentage (Alison Van Eenennaam).

  • Sampling strategies (Pollak).

  • Traits of interest (Dan Moser).

  • Decision-support tools (Mark Enns).

  • Research into heifer pregnancy, stayability and adaptability (Pollak).

  • DNA diagnostics tests (Milt Thomas and Richard Quaas).

  • Rancher panel (Keith Long, Paul Genho and others).

  • How to do it. (Pollak and Bonnie Long).

The program begins at 8 a.m., Dec. 9, at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, and concludes at noon, Dec. 10. For more info, e-mail Pollak at ejp6@cornell.edu, Susan Herbert at shh4@cornell.edu, call 607/255-4416, or visit: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/nbcec/lhm_symposium/.