News Releases

(SPRING HILL, Tenn.) – Cattle producers interested in improving their production and management practices are invited to attend a beef cattle conference entitled “Beef Cattle Selection Decisions: Using EPDs and EID.” Hosted by the University of Tennessee at Martin and the UT Institute of Agriculture, the free public event will be held Tuesday, October 30, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (CDT). The location will be the conference center at UT’s Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center (formerly known as the Experiment Station) in Spring Hill.

Four invited speakers will present the program. Topics to be discussed include the genetic influence of female reproductive and efficiency traits as well as bull selection. Dr. Scott Greiner, an Extension beef cattle specialist at Virginia Tech., will server as presenter for this topic. He has worked extensively with beef cattle producers throughout the country.

Dr. David Kirkpatrick, a beef cattle specialist with UT Extension, will present information on proposed changes to the cost share program for bull and semen purchased through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program.

Dr. Matt Spangler, an assistant professor of animal science at the University of Tennessee at Martin, will discuss the many genetic tests that are commercially available and what they mean to both seedstock and commercial producers. Mr. Brian Rainey, EID product marketing manager for Allflex USA, Inc., will speak on the use of electronic identification and how it can capture increased profit potential.

Lunch will be served to all participants and is sponsored in part by Meriel, Genex, Moly Mfg. Co., and TBCIA. Other program sponsors include Allflex USA, Inc. and the Tennessee Agricultural Development Fund, which is funded through the sale of the state's Ag Tag vehicle license plates.

For more information contact either Dr. Kirkpatrick at (865) 974-7294 or Dr. Spangler at (731) 881-7266.

The Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center is located on Highway 31, just minutes south of Nashville. Take exit 53 from Interstate 65 and follow the signs to Columbia. The center is on the east
side of Highway 31, across from the Saturn plant.

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Contact:
Dr. David Kirkpatrick, UT Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, (865) 974-7294