Cattle produers can learn about using genetic technology to improve cattle herds at a program offered in Rapid City by the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management in May.

Sessions on Application of Advanced Genetic Technology in Beef Cattle will be offered May 11-12 at the Rushmore Inn and Suites in Rapid City. South Dakota State University West River Ag Center is co-hosting the lectureships. The cost is $300, which covers materials and meals.

"We hear many of our producers are beginning or wanting to use genetic technology to improve their herds. Some question if they are using it correctly; some feel it is information overload," said Kristi Cammack, director of the West River Ag Center.

Keeping up with genetic selection and evaluation innovations can be challenging. Early adopters who have been trying the technology as well as those who are interested but don't know where to start can learn from the classes.

The sessions are meant to strengthen the understanding of the genetic principles and help attendees build on the information. Faculty contracted by the King Institute will share how to apply advanced genetic technologies in the real world of seedstock and commercial cattle production.

Instructors will be Bob Weaber, Ph.D., extension specialist in animal sciences and industry from Kansas State University and Matt Spangler, Ph.D., beef genetics extension specialist in the animal science department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Along with the basics, they will look at the application of advanced genetic tools including genomically enhanced expected progeny differences and marker assisted management in genetic advancement.

Cammack expects that the sessions will appeal to both commercial and seed stock producers from across the state, region and throughout the country.

Information will focus on developing breeding objectives for the herd and determining the economics relative for each operation as that may vary within a region. Owners want to know what will work for them at their location, taking into consideration different feedstuffs and different markets.

The tools have advanced so they are producer friendly. Cammack said the speakers will share knowledge that producers can apply and use in their operation, including an applied understanding of how to use genomic selection tools.

Cattle producers will get a lot out of the 1 -day program, she said. Producers will participate in interactive sire selection scenarios where they will break out into groups and practice how to pick sires.

"We hope the result is that cattle producers will learn to use advanced genetics. Applying these tools, in the correct way, will pay off with improved genetics. Producers will find it advancing herd genetics really pays it forward," Cammack said.

Contact Cammack at 605-394-2236, or email Kristi.Cammack@sdstate.edu. To see the agenda and make a reservation, go to the King Ranch Institute website.

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Cattle producers offered intro to genetic technology - Tri-State Neighbor