Michael MacNeil, U.S. Department of Agriculture animal genetics researcher, will be a featured speaker during the Jan. 28 Grass-N-Beef Research Review at North Dakota State University’s Central Grasslands Research Extension Center near Streeter.

MacNeil is lead scientist on a research project to reduce the cost of beef production by developing strategies and technologies such as enhancing the efficiency of nutrient use and improving reproductive performance. The research is being conducted at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, Mont.

At the Grass-N-Beef Research Review, MacNeil will discuss using genetic information to improve the efficiency of animal production.

His research focuses on genetic, biometric and production system approaches to increasing the efficiency and profitability of beef production. He is the author, co-author or editor of more than 250 scientific and technical publications. He also is responsible for the conservation of Line 1 Hereford cattle and dissemination of this line’s germplasm to the beef industry.

The Grass-N-Beef Review will be in the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center’s conference room. It will start at 9:30 a.m.

Other speakers will include faculty from the center, NDSU’s Animal Sciences Department and the North Central Research Extension Center near Minot. Their topics will include using annual forages to extend grazing, NDSU’s new Beef Cattle Research Center, niche and specialty beef marketing opportunities, integrated beef production systems for the Coteau region, drought management and alternative energy sources. The program also will include a producer panel discussion on range monitoring.

The program is free of charge and will include a catered lunch. Registration is not required.

The Central Grasslands Research Extension Center is four miles north of Streeter or 11 miles south of Interstate 94 on North Dakota Highway 30. From Highway 30, take 48th Street five miles west to 48th Avenue, then drive south for one-quarter mile.

For more information about the Grass-N-Beef Research Review, visit http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/streeter/Fielddays/AGENDA_Roundup_2009_web_and%20Ext.htm.

NDSU Agriculture Communication