Red Angus

Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium to focus on technology trends to enhance value

DENVER — The Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium hosted by the Red Angus Association of America will be held Sept. 13, during the National Red Angus Convention in Lincoln, Nebraska.

This year the Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium will address building the future of the feeder cattle industry with focus on using technology to help enhance value in the current marketplace. Barrett Simon, auctioneer and friend to the Red Angus breed, will emcee the event.

The symposium will kick off with a presentation by Derrell Peel, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University professor of agricultural economics and Extension specialist for livestock marketing, regarding the status and opportunities existing in the current marketplace, as well as the outlook and challenges of beef cattle economics.

Matt Spangler, Ph.D., University of Nebraska professor of animal science and Extension beef genetics specialist, will offer his expertise on the importance and utilization of genomics in bull buying and selection practices.

A panel consisting of Abram Babcock, president of Adams Land and Cattle, LLC, Joe Klute, partner in Phelps County Feeders, LLC, Sara Cover, supplier relations with Greater Omaha Packing Co. and Perry Harrison of Harrison Harvesting, will host a discussion regarding how technology is being used within the feedlot and packing sectors of the industry.

Doug Stanton, senior vice president of sales and business development of Where Food Comes From, Inc., will give an overview of third-party verified programs and how these programs can be used to enhance value in the feeder cattle market.

Gregg Barfield, president of LedgerSpace, LLC, will give an overview of the new platform, titled “Clear View,” and how it can be used as a marketing tool for Red Angus-influenced cattle. Kelly Smith, RAAA’s director of commercial marketing, will also give an update on the commercial marketing team’s involvement in promoting value of Red Angus-influenced cattle. Tanner King, feedlot business manager for Neogen, will discuss the use of genomics in feeder cattle. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour Neogen’s facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska. Shuttle services will be provided.

New to the agenda, the Commercial Cattleman of the Year and Grid Master awards will be presented during lunch. The trade show will be open and accessible for all attendees. The ladies symposium will also be hosted during the event.

The Commercial Cattleman’s Symposium is a free event for all who wish to attend but RAAA requests attendees pre-register at redangus.org.


The Red Angus Association of America serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and using scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit redangus.org.