Range Beef Cow Symposium
Spans Almost 50 Years
by Kasey Brown, associate editor, Angus Journal
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Dec. 3, 2013) — Barry Dunn, dean of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences of South Dakota State University (SDSU), welcomed more than 500 participants to the 23rd Range Beef Cow Symposium (RBCS) in Rapid City, S.D., Dec. 3-5.
Four universities put this event on every other year, and the conference has spanned almost 50 years now, he said. Dunn said he recalls wanting to come to this conference when he was young, adding that he is thankful for the opportunity to be involved with the conference now.
“This is a knowledge-based economy, and the opportunity to participate in these kinds of conferences are to your advantage,” said Barry Dunn, dean of SDSU’s College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.
“This is a knowledge-based economy, and the opportunity to participate in these kinds of conferences are to your advantage. I want to congratulate you on taking advantage to put yourself ahead in this challenging business,” he told attendees.
The reputation of this conference is widespread, and its proceedings are cited often, he noted. The impact of this conference in use is immeasurable.
The RBCS is unique in having bullpen sessions at the end of each day. These are designed to allow attendees to ask in-depth questions of presenters in an interactive setting. They also keep day sessions moving by not taking the time for questions during the presentations.
Session topics include policy and trade affecting the beef industry, pregnant cow nutrition, reproductive efficiency, technology tools, estate planning, genomics, conservation and more.
On behalf of SDSU and those in South Dakota, Dunn commended the tremendous compassion shown to those who were affected by Winter Storm Atlas. The blizzard, he said, has changed South Dakota forever. Livestock losses are estimated at $500 million.
Dunn thanked all who had donated to the Rancher Relief Fund. About $2 million has been donated, and applications for aid are being received. he said. Funds will help hundreds of families to keep the propane on, buy Christmas presents and get back on their feet.
Complete coverage of the three-day RBCS conference compiled by the Angus Journal editorial team can be found at http://rangebeefcow.com. Liveauctions.tv provided live web streaming of the conference.
Getting the program under way, Dunn welcomed cattlemen to RBCS XXIII Tuesday. Visit the Newsroom at www.rangebeefcow.com/2013 to access the audio to his presentation.
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The RBCS is a biennial educational symposium offering practical production management information. It is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service and animal science departments of the University of Wyoming, South Dakota State University, Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska.
Comprehensive coverage of the symposium is available online at www.rangebeefcow.com. Compiled by the Angus Journal editorial team, the site is made possible through sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv and the cooperation of the host committee.
Editor’s Note: This article was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270.
