By Scout Nelson
University of Nebraska Lincoln will host the International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare from June 1-3 at the Nebraska East Union. The event will bring together researchers, veterinarians, producers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of beef cattle welfare and management practices.
The symposium theme for 2026 is “Bridging Research and Practice for the Future of Beef Cattle Welfare.” Organizers say the event will focus on improving collaboration between different sectors of the cattle industry while sharing the latest scientific research and practical tools.
“There is a clear and growing need for collaboration across disciplines and sectors, and this symposium aims to address that need in a very intentional way,” said Ruth Woiwode.
Woiwode is co-chairing the symposium alongside Brian Vander Ley from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The symposium is a biennial event organized by U.S. and Canadian animal scientists and veterinarians and rotates between institutions in both countries.
The program will include presentations, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions covering research findings, cattle management practices, and new technologies supporting animal welfare. Organizers hope the event will create stronger communication between veterinarians, producers, packers, and researchers.
University leaders highlighted the importance of Nebraska’s livestock research facilities, including the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center. The center supports advanced research involving cattle comfort, feeding systems, animal health, and environmental management practices.
Speakers at the symposium will include university leaders, animal science experts, and industry representatives. Participants can also earn continuing education credits through the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Organizers are also working to provide continuing education credit opportunities for veterinarians.
The symposium reflects the close partnership between the United States and Canada in cattle research and production. Organizers say growing collaboration between universities, researchers, and agriculture companies continues to improve beef cattle welfare practices and livestock management systems.
Registration is available online through International Symposium Registration. The complete event schedule can be viewed at Symposium Program Details.
“The future of this work is not only about advancing science and practice, but also about sustaining the community and infrastructure needed to support it,” Woiwode said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Nebraska, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle