Angus Genetics Inc. gathers breeders, industry, academia in forum
Imagine: AGI’s Beef Genetics Forum hosted a cross-section of the beef industry to think about future phenotypes and data collection.
October 4, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Holly Martin, director of communications
816-383-5143
Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®) facilitated a conversation for around 80 cattle breeders, beef industry professionals, researchers and academics during Imagine: AGI’s Beef Genetics Forum September 25-26 in Kansas City. The program challenged the group to explore paths for progress in the beef genetics space.
“Anytime that we can get a bunch of like-minded individuals in the same room to discuss innovation, to discuss what’s next, to discuss the catalysts in our industry that are really going to create genetic change, we feel like it’s a really good use of time,” said Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI, during the event’s welcome.
This was the first event of its kind hosted by AGI, and the theme was “The Future of Phenotyping for a Sustainable Beef Industry.” In addition to six technical presentations, the program’s design allowed for small-group discussions focused on technologies and novel phenotypes. It also included dedicated time for networking and less-structured conversation.
Some key takeaways, summarized during the event, were that data-driven decisions will continue to be important for those managing and breeding cattle; challenges currently exist around the increasingly important topic of data collection and sharing, and solutions for this are needed across every segment of the beef industry; and the industry must balance innovation with maintaining consumer satisfaction as it advances and implements new and useful technologies.
Attendees also discussed opportunities to improve traits related to health, longevity, fertility and feed efficiency through new phenotyping methods.
AGI plans to release a white paper outlining key takeaways from Imagine discussions in February 2025.
“Imagine was a one-of-a-kind experience for all who attended,” said Levi Landers, director of field & member services for the American Angus Association®. “Thought leaders for all segments of the livestock industry were present to help drive breed improvement through the latest technologies that are and will be available. Conferences such as these will keep Angus in the lead when it comes to data collection and submission to secure ourselves as the breed of choice for all commercial producers.”
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Cutline: Matt Perrier of Dalebanks Angus speaks to other breeders and industry professionals at Imagine: AGI’s Beef Genetics Forum in September in Kansas City.
ADVANCING ANGUS GENETICS
Angus Genetics, Inc. (AGI®) has been providing services to the beef industry and various beef breed organizations since 2007, assisting in the genetic evaluation of economically important traits. As a subsidiary of the American Angus Association®, AGI looks to lead genetic change for the beef industry. AGI develops genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) for the Angus breed that are updated on a weekly basis. AGI also conducts research and develops new science and technology to benefit the entire beef business.
ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS
The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 21,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.
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