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Dr. Jamie Courter is your Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist

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By Jared E. Decker Many of you have probably noticed that things have been a lot less active on the A Steak in Genomics™   blog, but you probably haven't known why. In January 2021, I was named the Wurdack Chair in Animal Genomics at Mizzou, and I now focus on research, with a little bit of teaching. I no longer have an extension appointment. But, with exciting news, the blog is about to become a lot more active! Jamie Courter began as the new MU Extension state beef genetics specialist in the Division of Animal Sciences on September 1, 2023. I have known Jamie for several years, meeting her at BIF when she was a Masters student. I have been impressed by Jamie in my interactions with her since that time.  Dr. Courter and I have been working closely together the last 6 weeks, and I am excited to work together to serve the beef industry for years to come! Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University and earned a master's degree in animal...
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Beef Genetic Prediction Workshop to be held at Kansas City, Dec. 12-13

by Duane Dailey

As animal scientists and farmers learn more about beef cattle genetics, this knowledge will be used to make predictions and select breeding stock.
A Genetic Prediction Workshop will be held in Kansas City, Dec. 12-13, to share the latest information and experiences.
“We’re at a stage where beef breeders, especially seed-stock producers, can learn and add to the discussion,” says Jared Decker, University of Missouri Extension geneticist, Columbia.
The conference brings together academic, beef industry, breed association and cattle producer leaders.
“Ways to use genomics in cattle selection will be a major focus,” Decker said.
The conference is hosted by the Beef Improvement Federation, a national group.
The speakers will share their progress. An aim will be to work on ways to use the genome to enhance EPDs (expected progeny differences). Commercial cattle producers can use those EPDs to select breeding stock.
The meeting will include plans for making across-breed EPDs. Research on that project is underway at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Neb. A USDA working group, NCERA, is pursuing that development.
The conference will be at the Holiday Inn KCI, 11728 NW Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Mo.  The registration fee covers meals during the conference.
Program and registration details are available at http://www.ksubeef.org under “Upcoming Beef Events.” Pre-registration closes Dec. 1. Motel accommodations are at a special rate.

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