We're excited to announce that the 48th Discover Conference will be held in partnership with the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and will focus on "Beef x Dairy: Opportunity Intersection of Nutrition, Genetics, and Management." The conference, held from October 13 to 16, 2025, in Itasca, Illinois, will bring together ADSA and ASAS experts and stakeholders across disciplines to discuss emerging knowledge relevant to both the dairy and beef sectors.
With beef-on-dairy calves surging in both supply and demand, producers are navigating new paths to profitability. This fall's conference is designed to equip them with the critical knowledge to select the right beef sires, improve early-life nutrition and on-farm calf management, promote growth of beef-on-dairy calves, and minimize health challenges such as liver abscesses.
"This is more than a conference--it's an important and strategic dialogue across researchers, extension specialists, producers, students, and other industry pros," says Discover Conference Director Joanne Knapp, PhD, PAS. "The program is built to foster open discussion and deliver front-line science that informs real-world decisions."
From breeding strategies to carcass outcomes, sessions will offer insights across five core areas:
- Genetics and breeding: Discover which sire choices boost carcass merit and how breeding decisions affect both dairy cows and beef performance.
- Early life nutrition and management: Split into preweaning and postweaning segments, these sessions cover everything from colostrum protocols to feedlot transitions.
- Feedlot management: Experts will address fiber inclusion, feedyard efficiencies, and maximization of health through management and nutrition.
- Growth promotion and technologies: Presentations will explore the science and regulation of estrogen receptors, growth implants, beta-agonists, and their effect on production outcomes.
- Carcass outcomes: Liver health takes center stage as researchers unpack its impact on performance, beef quality, and profitability.
"The partnership between ASAS and ADSA reflects our shared commitment to integrating science across disciplines," said Jerry Bowman, ADSA Executive Director. "We're looking forward to coming together this October to ensure our research communities collaborate on hot topics critical to the future of animal agriculture."
James Sartin, PhD, ASAS Chief Executive Officer, echoed the sentiment. "Collaboration between the beef and dairy sectors is not just beneficial--it's essential," said Sartin. "By aligning our scientific knowledge and practical expertise, we can unlock new opportunities for producers and ensure a more sustainable future for animal agriculture. This conference exemplifies the kind of partnership that drives innovation across our industries."
As with all Discover Conferences, attendees can expect an intimate, retreat-style setting conducive to in-depth dialogue and relationship-building. Plenty of time is reserved for closed-door discussion and creative problem-solving with colleagues and presenters.
Registration is open now, with early bird savings available until Friday, September 12, 2025--including member discounts for members of both ADSA and ASAS--and travel scholarships offered to 10 interested graduate students.
