University Hosts Cattlemen’s Update to Boost Herd Health Strategies

The University of Nevada, Reno is set to host its annual **Cattlemen’s Update**, providing essential guidance focused on herd health, market trends, and production strategies. This year, the event will kick off with a virtual session on **January 12** and continue with in-person meetings from **January 13 to 16** at four locations across Nevada. The Fallon session is scheduled for **January 16** at the **Fallon Convention Center**, starting at **15:30** with special sessions dedicated to Youth for the Quality Care of Animals.

Beginning at **17:30**, the main program will include dinner for attendees. On-site registration will be available, with a suggested **$20 donation** per ranch at each location to support the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation. This initiative is led by the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, along with its Extension and Experiment Station units. The event is further endorsed by the **U.S. Department of Agriculture**, **Nevada Gold Mines**, and various local sponsors.

University researchers, local veterinarians, and experts from the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will engage in discussions covering critical issues impacting Nevada’s cattle industry. The free virtual session on **January 12** will run from **09:30 to 15:00**, addressing topics not included in the in-person sessions, such as wildfire preparedness, emerging animal diseases, and updates to Nevada’s Meat and Poultry Inspection Program.

Key Topics and Expert Speakers

In-person topics will explore the potential re-emergence of the **New World screwworm**, grazing management practices that promote soil and ecosystem health, biosecurity planning, and genetic tools aimed at enhancing herd performance. Furthermore, the session will provide an outlook on Nevada’s cattle market, including insights into heifer retention decisions.

Serving as the master of ceremonies is **Paul Meiman**, Extension rangeland and wildlife state specialist and associate professor in the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences. The lineup of speakers features **Luis Schütz**, animal scientist and assistant professor; **Tracy Shane**, Extension livestock specialist; **Peter Rolfe**, state veterinarian; and **Shannon Neibergs**, livestock economist from Washington State University.

Highlighting the event will be the keynote address by **Tipton D. Hudson**, a professor with Washington State University Extension. Hudson is known for creating the **Stocksmart app**, which offers users near-real-time data on vegetation conditions. His presentation, titled “Place-based intelligence trumps artificial intelligence in ecologically driven grazing enterprises,” promises to provide valuable insights for cattle producers.

Registration and Additional Information

Those interested in participating can register for the virtual session through the following link: [unr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tqnfbsPcRGqExGXrwM1T2A](https://unr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tqnfbsPcRGqExGXrwM1T2A).

The virtual agenda includes discussions on the **2026 Fire Outlook** and the **Rancher Liaison Program**, which is designed to deliver timely insights and practical strategies for Nevada’s ranching community. Additionally, veterinarians will address current animal health issues affecting Nevada and the surrounding region, ensuring that participants receive comprehensive and relevant information.

For further details, contact **Kaley Chapin** via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). The Cattlemen’s Update represents a significant opportunity for cattle producers to enhance their knowledge and practices in an ever-evolving industry landscape.