By Scout Nelson
The 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, educators, and industry leaders to discuss the latest developments in beef cattle welfare research and practical livestock management.
The 2026 symposium carries the theme “Bridging Research and Practice for the Future of Beef Cattle Welfare.” Organizers plan to include presentations, roundtable discussions, and expert panels focused on improving cattle care, animal health, production systems, and industry collaboration.
“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, assistant professor of animal science and Nebraska Extension animal behavior and well-being specialist, is co-chairing the symposium with Brian Vander Ley, a veterinary epidemiologist and extension specialist with the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
The symposium is a biennial event created by animal scientists and veterinarians from the United States and Canada. It rotates between institutions in both countries and focuses on strengthening communication between producers, veterinarians, packers, researchers, and industry professionals.
Registration is underway, and the full program is online, featuring presentations from experts in academia and industry.
The university’s livestock research facilities, including the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center near Mead, Nebraska, support advanced cattle welfare research. The center includes feeding facilities, open pens, classrooms, and high-tech systems that help researchers study cattle comfort, feed efficiency, environmental management, and animal health.
Several Nebraska leaders and industry experts will speak during the symposium, including Tiffany Heng-Moss, Tom Field, and Paxton Sullivan from Sustainable Beef LLC.
The symposium also offers 13 hours of continuing education credit for members of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Organizers continue working to provide continuing education credits for veterinarians across North America.
“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: istock-123ducu
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Beef Cattle