Silage for Beef Conference Scheduled for June 18, 2026

Apr 29, 2026

By Connor Biehler

Beef producers, nutritionists and industry partners from across the country will gather on June 18, 2026, for the 6th Biennial Silage for Beef Conference at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Nebraska.

Hosted jointly by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Iowa State University and Lallemand Animal Nutrition, the conference will provide actionable insights to help producers navigate today’s economic pressures while maximizing silage quality and cattle performance. Attendance is free with beverages and lunch provided for all participants. Attendees are responsible for their own travel-related expenses. A livestream option will also be available for those unable to attend in person.

Building on the strong foundation of previous conferences, this year’s program continues the focus on translating cutting-edge research into practical strategies that protect investments and strengthen profitability. Tailored for producers, feedyard managers, nutritionists, and allied industry professionals, the program emphasizes on silage safety, labor considerations, feed quality, and maximizing energy value of cattle rations.

“Nutrition represents one of the largest investments in a beef operation,” said Kip Karges, PhD, Technical Services Director of the Americas at Lallemand Animal Nutrition. “This conference is designed to equip producers with the tools and knowledge they need to manage that investment with confidence, from harvest through feedout.”

The 2026 agenda will address current industry challenges, including:

Busting Three Myths Around Developing an Effective Agriculture Safety Program: Mike Keenan, Keenan Safety Consulting
Silage Safety, Planning, Pile Design: Renato Schmidt, PhD, Technical Services, Lallemand Animal Nutrition
Mycotoxins and Lab Analysis: Katie Raver, MS, Animal Nutrition Technical Services Director at Rock River Laboratory, Inc.
Ensiling Cover Crops and How that Fits Many: Mary Drewnoski, PhD, Professor & Beef Systems Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
What is the Energy Value of Corn Silage Today: Galen Erickson, PhD, Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
High Moisture Corn Particle Size Effect on Energy Values: Kassidy Buse, PhD, Technical Services, Lallemand Animal Nutrition

Source : unl.edu

Video: CEO’s of the Industry | John Prestage – Prestage Farms

Leadership, Legacy & the Future of Pork and Poultry

CEO’s of the Industry, Jim Eadie sits down with John Prestage, CEO of Prestage Farms, one of the largest family-owned pork and poultry companies in the United States.

From its beginnings under founder Bill Prestage to its evolution into a multi-state, vertically integrated protein company, this conversation explores what it takes to scale responsibly while staying rooted in family values.

John shares how Prestage Farms balances growth, culture, and innovation across both pork and poultry, and how leadership transitions within a family business can strengthen — not dilute — a company’s mission.