Field Day Offers Look at Precision Beef Technologies in the Air, Online and on the Hoof

Oct 17, 2025

By Sherry Hoyer

Emerging technologies are on the agenda for a Nov. 13 field day near Red Oak, and all are invited. The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University and South Dakota State University Beef Extension have partnered to showcase, demonstrate and discuss a wide variety of new tools and techniques in beef production.

Beef field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach Erika Woolfolk said a unique feature is the SDSU technology trailer packed with a variety of livestock technologies.

“The trailer has animal health monitoring software, water monitoring software, a handheld feed analyzer, drones and much more,” she said. “Additional topics include cybersecurity awareness and applicable precision technologies research, and we’ll have a designated time for technology demonstrations.”

Woolfolk and Shelby Gruss, assistant professor and extension forage specialist with Iowa State, will share updates on ongoing ISU research, utilizing various technologies such as 701x ear tags for monitoring grazing behaviors.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: Genetics Behind Swine Resilience - Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, explains how genetics can improve disease resilience in pigs. She explores how resilience differs from resistance, the role of genetic variation, and how breeding strategies can enhance health and performance under disease pressure. Dr. Dunkelberger also covers practical applications and future implications for swine production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Controlled experimental trials confirm that differences in mortality and performance under disease pressure are linked to genetic background, even when environmental conditions remain consistent."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger / jenelle-dunkelberger-9200ab86 is a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she leads the Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. She earned her PhD from Iowa State University, focusing on host genetics and disease response in pigs. Her work centers on improving swine health and performance through genetic selection for resilience and behavior traits.