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
Presentations will feature leading researchers and extension specialists from UNL, ISU and other respected institutions, along with industry experts focused on real-world applications.
The Silage for Beef Conference remains one of the only events dedicated specifically to the role of silage in beef production systems. Attendees will leave with clear, practical steps they can implement immediately to improve forage quality, cattle performance and operational efficiency.
Registration details and the full agenda will be available at: https://beef.unl.edu/silage-beef-cattle-conference/
For additional information, producers may contact their local Lallemand representative or reach out to Connor Biehler with Nebraska Extension at 402-624-8007 or cbiehler2@unl.edu.
AGENDA
8:00 AM- Registration & Welcome
Aimee Wertz-Lutz, Ph.D.
Iowa Beef Center Director & Iowa State University Extension Feedlot Specialist
8:30 AM - Busting Three Myths Around Developing an Effective Agriculture Safety Program
Mike Keenan
Keenan Safety Consulting
9:30 AM - Silage Safety: Planning and Pile Design
Renato Schmidt, Ph.D.
Forage Products Specialist
Lallemand Animal Nutrition
10:30 AM - Break
10:45 AM - Mycotoxins and Lab Analysis
Katie Raver, M.S.
Animal Nutrition Technical Services Director
Rock River Laboratory, Inc.
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - Ensiling Cover Crops and How That Fits Many Systems
Mary Drewnoski, Ph.D.
Professor & Beef Systems Extension Specialist
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
2:00 PM - What Is the Energy Value of Corn Silage Today?
Galen Erickson, Ph.D.
Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science & Beef Feedlot Extension SpecialistUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln
3:00 PM - High-Moisture Corn Particle Size Effects on Energy Value
Kassidy Buse, Ph.D.
Dairy Technical Services
Lallemand Animal Nutrition
