The event will kick off Friday, Aug. 22, with a social and dinner. Evon Crooks, president of the SBBA, said this will be the ideal opportunity for Brangus breeders to meet and exchange ideas on cattle programs.

"This is an opportunity to learn about other genetics that are available," Crooks said. "It's also an opportunity to network with other breeders and an opportunity to look at other facilities. I would say those are the three primary things an attendee would get out of attending the field day."

The Saturday program will give breeders the opportunity to listen to speakers discuss how to utilize expected progeny differences (EPD) more effectively, breeding programs, sire selection and nutrition.

"Nutrition is one of the big issues that is always on the breeder's mind," Crooks said. "How can they get more pounds for the same amount of feed ... because that is what it's all about."

In conjunction with educational material, the participants will have the opportunity to tour the Draggin' M Ranch and evaluate seed stock, particularly sires.

"We'll have calves by sire groups, so they will be able to see what those bulls can do," said John Milam, owner of the Draggin' M Ranch.

Milam and Crooks both agree this event will be beneficial for breeders to gain a social network and exchange management techniques to improve Brangus genetics as a whole.

Milam said he was looking forward to having the field day at his ranch. The Milams began utilizing Brangus genetics in 2004 and have since grown to 440 registered Brangus cows and 900 total cows in his commercial operation. Milam said he utilizes artificial insemination and embryo transplant to help him raise the best stock he can.

"I always strive to improve on techniques, management on any endeavor that I ever involve myself in," Milam said. 

Kayla M. Wilkins is an associate of the agricultural communications department at Texas Tech University. This article originally appeared in a IBBA news release.