Beef Fest Names Winners In Feedlot, Carcass Contests

Mar 08, 2024

Steers entered by Willow Creek Angus from Americus and heifers owned by Spring Creek Ranch of Cassoday won the overall gain contest as part of the 2023 Flint Hills Beef Fest feedlot and carcass awards. The steers from Willow Creek Angus gained 5.14 lbs. per day from the time they went on grass in April 2023 until harvest from the feedlot on January 10, 2024, while the Spring Creek Ranch heifers gained 4.60 lbs. per day.

Steers owned by Coltin and Becca Arndt of Emporia placed first in the feedlot contest, with an average daily gain of 5.28 lbs. In second place were steers from Spring Creek Ranch. The steer carcass contest was won by entries from Miller Ranch of Olpe, with second place awarded to cattle owned by Bill Burton and Roger Potter from Emporia.

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Video: Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Max Rothschild, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how genetics and genomics have transformed swine production. He explores genomic selection, key gene discoveries, and the role of gene editing in improving disease resistance and productivity. Practical insights on litter size, meat quality, and industry adoption are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Genetic improvement in swine production accelerated significantly once molecular tools enabled identification of DNA level variation influencing growth, reproduction, and meat quality across commercial populations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Max Rothschild / max-f-rothschild-b3800312 earned his PhD in Animal Breeding from Cornell University and has spent over four decades at Iowa State University advancing swine genetics and genomics. His research focuses on genetic improvement, disease resistance, and molecular tools for swine production. A leader in pig genome research, his work has shaped modern breeding strategies.