7th International Symposium on
Beef Cattle Welfare
Bridging Research and Practice for the Future of Beef Cattle Welfare
The International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare, founded by a cooperating team of U.S. and Canadian animal scientists and
veterinarians, is a biennial event hosted in rotation by partner institutions in both countries.
Join us June 1-3, 2026, for the first in-person symposium since 2018.
See you in Lincoln!
We’re thrilled to announce that the International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare is back and will convene from June 1-3, 2026, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The Steering Committee has developed a comprehensive, high-caliber program that brings together leading experts from academia and industry, representing the full scope of the beef production system. The program is designed to address key priorities in beef cattle welfare while advancing practical, science-based solutions across sectors.
We look forward to welcoming colleagues, collaborators, and friends from across the globe to reconnect, share research, and advance beef cattle welfare together.
See you soon in Lincoln!
- The Steering Committee
JUNE 1-3, 2026
_edited.png)
DATES TO REMEMBER
NOW: Registration open
NOW: Sponsor opportunities available
April 13: Abstract submission closes
April 17: Early Bird registration ends
May 1: Abstract notification
May 18: Late registration pricing begins
June 1: Pre-symposium Workshop:
-
Animal Science Complex
-
3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68503
-
June 2-3: Main symposium program:
-
UNL East Union
-
1705 Arbor Drive, Lincoln, NE 68503
-
The Steering Committee
HANS COETZEE, PhD
Kansas State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
Head and Professor,
Department of Anatomy and
Physiology
RENÉE DEWELL, DVM
Iowa State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
Collaborating Lead Public
Health Veterinarian,
Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department
LILY EDWARDS-CALLAWAY, PhD
Colorado State University
College of Agricultural Sciences
Assistant Professor of
Livestock Behavior and Welfare, Department of Animal Sciences
DEREK HALEY, PhD
University of Guelph
Ontario Veterinary College
Associate Professor and Director, Cambell Centre for
the Study of Animal Welfare
.jpg)
ED PAJOR, PhD
University of Calgary
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Professor, Department of Production Animal Health
.jpg)
KAREN SCHWARTZKOPF-GENSWEIN, PhD
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Lethbridge Research and Development Centre
Senior Research Scientist, Beef Cattle Physiology and Welfare
DAN THOMSON,
PhD, DVM
Iowa State University
College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences
Professor Emeritus, Department of Animal Science
BRIAN VANDER LEY,
PhD, DVM
University of Nebraska
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Director, Great Plains Veterinary Education Center
RUTH WOIWODE, PhD
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
College of Agricultural Sciences
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Science