Boise, Idaho, played host to the Beef Improvement Federation’s (BIF) annual research symposium and convention June 1-4. Per event organizers and attendees, the event was a rousing success, with more than 400 attendees gathered to mingle and discuss the latest innovations in beef cattle genetics.

Located near Cooperstown in east-central North Dakota, Red Legend Cattle is a family ranch focused on producing high-quality Red Angus genetics. Brothers Mark and Bryan Ressler formed their partnership in 2013 and today manage a herd of registered Red Angus cattle alongside a diversified grain and row-crop operation.

Bull sale season is one of the most anticipated times of the year in a cattle operation, offering an opportunity to shape the future of the herd. Unfortunately, it may also bring confusion. Over time, the amount of data available to guide sire selection decisions has grown significantly. While more information can lead to better outcomes, it can also create undue stress and decision fatigue.

As the industry works to build back the cow herd after reaching historic low numbers, quality genetics will remain key to continue progressing herds, and the industry, forward.

In reviewing large commercial datasets, experts are seeing certain patterns beginning to emerge – particularly as it relates to a cow’s ability to stay in the herd. These trends are important to be aware of to identify challenges as well as opportunities.

Fertility is the number one trait linked to profitability for cow-calf herds. It’s also of low heritability and sometimes difficult to assess, depending on your record-keeping system.

According to the January 2025 USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report, the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest point since the early 1960s.

Nestled just north and east of some of Alberta’s most stunning scenery is Soderglen Ranch, where cattle act like they’ve belonged on the terrain for thousands of years.