Beef Briefs IOWA TO HOST 53RD ANNUAL BEEF IMPROVEMENT FEDERATION RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND CONVENTION
The 2021 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention program is now confirmed. This year’s event will be hosted in person June 22-25 in Des Moines, Iowa. The BIF Symposium features two and a half days of educational programming and a full day of tours. The first general session — “Beef Industry: Where is it going?” — will feature presentations by Michael Uetz, Midan Marketing; Jim Pillen, Pillen Family Farms; and Dr. Dan Thomson, Iowa State University Department of Animal Science chair. During the second general session the theme will be Precision Livestock Technology. Speakers Thursday will include Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, UC Davis; Justin Sexten, Precision Livestock Analytics; Pat Wall, ISU extension specialist; Reiss Bruning, Bruning Farms; and Cody Jorgensen, Jorgensen Land and Livestock. The afternoon technical breakout sessions both days will focus on a range of beef-production and genetic-improvement topics. The conference also features a Young Producer Symposium on Tuesday afternoon, designed for networking and to equip young cattle producers with essential knowledge as they grow their role in the business. Tuesday evening attendees will enjoy an opening reception as well as the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) symposium. This year’s event is being planned to take place in person. “The BIF Board believes it is imperative to provide ‘face-to-face’ networking and educational opportunities for its 46 | Ohio Cattleman | Spring Issue 2021
members. We understand that our in person 2021 meetings might look a little different, but we are excited to begin meeting together again,” says Dr. Bob Weaber, BIF executive director. Registration is scheduled to open April 15. Online registration will be available at BIFSymposium.com.
AGRICULTURE AND EDUCATIONIAL COMPETITIONS FOCUS OF 2021 OHIO STATE FAIR The Ohio Expositions Commission announced that the 2021 Ohio State Fair will not be open to the public and will instead focus on agricultural and educational competitions for exhibitors, their families and guests. When discussing plans for the 2021 Ohio State Fair, members of the Commission expressed concern for public health, as well as the financial impact of hosting a fair that would adhere to current safety protocols and the lasting impacts of the long-term viability of the Ohio State Fair. Many of the typical things associated with the Ohio State Fair – rides, concerts, entertainers, live music, food vendors, and shopping – are expected to return in 2022. The 2021 Ohio State Fair will be limited to exhibitors and family members for youth and senior livestock competitions, along with educational project judging for non-livestock competitions, such as 4-H. “I wish we had a crystal ball, but we don’t,” Strickler said. “As such, the safest decision is to greatly limit the traditional aspects of the Ohio State Fair, sticking to our roots in agriculture. While this is a difficult decision, we feel it is the best path to protect the long-term viability of the Ohio
State Fair, as well as the safety of those involved by limiting the scope significantly.” Detailed plans for the livestock and educational competitions are forthcoming. At this time, staff anticipates that the livestock shows will begin on July 19 and will conclude on August 8. The deadline for exhibitors to enter livestock competitions will be June 20, 2021. The 2022 Ohio State Fair is slated for July 27 – August 7.
USDA AND ODA OFFERING LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE RFID TAGS The United States Department of Agriuclture (USDA) and the Ohio Department of Agiruclture (ODA) are providing a limited number of official 840 RFID tags. Once the Ohio tag allotment is depleted, no additional tags will be provided to the state. Only Ohio accredited veterinarians and cattle producers may order the free RFID tags. There are both white “840” button tags and orange “840” calfhood vaccination (OCV) button tags available. All RFID tags are low frequency tags. Veterinarians may receive both white and orange tags, while cattle producers may only receive white tags. RFID tag inventory may include more than one brand of tags. A Premises Identification Number (PIN) is required to order the free RFID tags. To obtain a PIN, go to www.agri. ohio.gov or call 614-728-6220. To request free RFID tags, contact the ODA Division of Animal Health at animal@agri.ohio.gov or by calling the number previously mentioned.
