BrainTrust serves as a platform for innovation where seedstock breeders and commercial cattlemen join to discuss the use of science and technology to boost ranch-gate returns.
This year’s program will include keynote addresses from beef industry leaders – Dr. Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension beef specialist; Dr. Kent Anderson, associate director of technical services for Zoetis Genetics; and Dr. Jim Gibb, technical services director with GeneSeek.
Each speaker will highlight the emerging science behind DNA information and data, and the practical application these new scientific discoveries provide for cattlemen, specifically through commercial heifer applications.
Gary Fike, RAAA director of commercial marketing, will also be making the case for health protocols along with Dan Thompson, DVM, Kansas State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, and A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, Kansas State University Extension veterinarian. They will unveil the results of a recently completed survey of practicing large-animal veterinarians and their observations on the use of various health protocols in the field, and the economic implications of using some of the industry’s best health- and overall beef-cattle-management practices.
The afternoon will conclude with a discussion panel featuring cattlemen who have implemented some of these innovative technologies into their beef businesses. They will share personal insight into the benefits of DNA in their commercial herds and how it has affected their selection process.
BrainTrust is free to attend and open to all interested individuals, regardless of breed interest. 
—From Red Angus Association of America news release
