LINCOLN, NE – The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is set to become the epicenter of livestock innovation this summer. From June 1–3 , 2026, the Nebraska East Union will host the International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare,a premier biennial event uniting the brightest minds in veterinary medicine, research, and industry leadership. Bridging the Gap This year’s theme, “Bridging Research and Practice for the Future of Beef Cattle Welfare,” underscores a mission to turn academic insights into boots-on-the-ground results. The program features a lineup of: Expert Panels: Insights into the latest animal health and production systems. Roundtable Discussions: Collaborative sessions on improving industry standards. Keynote Presentations: Focusing on the intersection of cattle comfort and feed efficiency. “There is a clear and growing need for collaboration across disciplines and sectors,” says Ruth Woiwode, symposium co-chair and UNL assistant professor of animal science. “This symposium aims to address that need in a very intentional way.” A Legacy of Collaboration Co-chaired by Woiwode and veterinary epidemiologist Brian Vander Ley, the symposium rotates between top institutions in the U.S. and Canada. Its primary goal is to tighten the communication loop between producers, researchers, and packers to ensure a sustainable future for the beef industry. Nebraska is uniquely positioned to lead this conversation, utilizing high-tech facilities like the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center. This site allows researchers to study environmental management and animal well-being using state-of-the-art feeding systems and open pens. Event Highlights & Registration Key Speakers: Attendees will hear from Nebraska leaders including Tiffany Heng-Moss, Tom Field, and Paxton Sullivan of Sustainable Beef LLC. Professional Development: Members of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists can earn 13 hours of continuing education credit. Efforts are also underway to secure credits for North American veterinarians. Full Program: The complete schedule and registration portal are currently available online. As Woiwode notes, the event is about more than just data—it’s about “sustaining the community and infrastructure” necessary to support the science of animal care for years to come. Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More