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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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Researchers at the University of Missouri Share Pivotal Beef Cattle Research Updates


This past fall, the Missouri Simmental Association and the University of Missouri had the pleasure of hosting Simmental and SimAngus breeders from across the United States to Columbia, MO for the American Simmental Association's Fall Focus meeting. I've always been a fan of this meeting due to its ability to bridge the gap between pivotal research findings and industry application. This year was extra special as I had the opportunity to share some of my research and passions with those individuals and breeders, among others here at the University of Missouri. 

On Friday, the Missouri Simmental Association took the lead on developing the daily program, showcasing Missouri Agriculture and Missouri cattle production. A full summary of the program can be found in the October 2025 issue of The Register here.

Saturday, the American Simmental Association put together a morning educational program highlighting the importance of the maternal cow to profitable production systems. The program was kicked off by Division Director, Dr. Bryon Wiegand, who introduced the dichotomy between diminishing hot carcass weight discounts and maintaining moderate mature weight in cows. He was followed by Drs. Allison Meyer, Jamie Courter, and Jordan Thomas who introduced practical ways seedstock and commercial producers could mitigate this issue using Nutrition, Genetics, and Reproduction. Instead of summarizing these myself, Lilly Platts, Editor for the American Simmental Association, has done a wonderful job herself. Links to her articles are below. 

Nutrition, Dr. Allison Meyer - Making the Most of Your Herd's Genetic Potential Through Nutrition

Genetics, Dr. Jamie Courter - Balancing Cow Weight with Industry Demand

Reproduction, Dr. Jordan Thomas - Selecting for Success with Sex-Sorted Semen

These topics were followed by a panel discussion that sparked producer and industry feedback, and wonderful lunch conversations. If you, like many cow-calf producers are curious, or have any further questions on the topics discussed here, please feel free to reach out directly. 

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