Today, an article I wrote appeared in BEEF Magazine's Cow-Calf Weekly. Do we HAVE to cull genetic defect cattle? Science says no In this article, I used genetic defects as a case study for what happens when we don't embrace the new opportunities science provides. Science now allows us to manage genetic defects differently than we did 50 years ago. But, I fear with all of the baggage genetic defects bring, that my main point will be lost. My main point is simple. Embrace science. Embrace technology. Embrace new approaches. I love that Burke Teichert encourages us to be a constant learner searching for better practices. I have also tried to encourage people to embrace science . In conclusion, I am not a genetic defects zealot. Manage them how you see fit. But, I am a science zealot! Please look for ways science and technology can benefit your operation. For different production systems and breeding objectives, how science is used will look differently. Science can ...

A new website dedicated to beef cattle genetics has been launched at the 2015 Beef Improvement Federation Conference. eBEEF.org is part of the national eXtension program with the goal of being a one-stop site for beef cattle genetics and genomics information. Beef cattle specialists from six land grant institutions have joined forces to provide educational materials that are pertinent to today’s beef cattle producers, without searching multiple sites or filtering through countless hits on a search. The site contains factsheets , short frequently asked question (FAQ) video clips, relevant conference recordings and webinars, a blog and links to other useful beef sites. One of the developers of the new site, Dr. Darrh Bullock at the University of Kentucky said “Often beef producers get frustrated when they search for information online and get information overload. We wanted to develop a user friendly site that provides information in a concise, understandable way without having ...

Reprinted with permission of the Missouri Angus Trails In the summer of 2014 we held a Cattlemen’s Boot Camp at the University of Missouri with support from the Angus Foundation and the American Angus Association. Why did we hold this boot camp? First of all, we take every opportunity to work with good people, and when we were approached by the folks at the Angus Association, we jumped at the opportunity to host the event. But, more importantly we wanted to host this event to encourage cattle producers from across the region to embrace recent and emerging advancements in science and technology. In the United States it has become popular to distrust or outright dismiss a scientific perspective. We see this trend on the nightly news, in print articles, and on social media. People from all walks of life, from all political parties, and all levels of economic achievement choose not to accept as fact certain topics for which science has reached a consensus. This attitude of rejecting...

“Science is not a body of facts,” says geophysicist Marcia McNutt ... “Science is a method for deciding whether what we choose to believe has a basis in the laws of nature or not.” One of the attitudes I try to help beef producers embrace is a scientific, data-driven mindset . This applies to all phases of their operation, from reproduction, nutrition, health, genetics, and other management practices. In the March issue of the Missouri Angus Trails magazine, I encourage producers to take a science-based approach to farming and ranching. If you are a Missouri producer who uses Angus genetics, I encourage you to subscribe to the Missouri Angus Trails . (Also, watch for an article by me in the Missouri Hereford News .) Joel Achenbach wrote an interesting piece in National Geographic asking " Why Do Many Reasonable People Doubt Science? " With the recent measles outbreak, this topic has been in the news recently. I suggest you make some time to read it. Here are some of my...

As you know, I started in my current position at the University of Missouri Beef Genetics Extension Specialist in March of 2013 . Check out the first A Steak in Genomics video to see how I describe my approach to extension education and research. (Excuse the ums and uhs, I was a little more nervous than usual as it was a job interview!) Have you ever wondered why polls started appearing at the bottom of these blog posts? It is an effort to have a data-driven extension program in which we measure and respond to feedback from you, the Steakholders. In order for us to really make progress in using genomic technologies and animal breeding best practices in beef production, there needs to be an open and honest conversation about these topics. If you ever are concerned there is an inaccuracy in my writings or presentations, please bring it to my attention as a comment on the blog, in an email, or a phone call . But please bring the data! Don't bring fallacies or antidotes to a d...

For those that have experienced the clarity and beauty of viewing the world through the lens of science, interacting with those who choose opinion and fear over facts and evidence can be very frustrating. But Kevin Folta, at the University of Florida didn't even get to interact with or question Ms. Hari about the misinformation she shares to a large audience. Head over to the Illumination blog to read Kevin Folta's thoughts.