BSE faculty and emeriti play key roles in hosting international event in Nebraska

The Tenth International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES X) and the First U.S. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) conference were held jointly in Omaha, Sept. 24-28, drawing 175 attendees from 14 countries. Tami Brown-Brandl and Rick Stowell were instrumental in returning ILES to its roots, as the first ILES was held in Lincoln back in 1974. LeRoy Hahn (retired USDA-ARS MARC) and Jim DeShazer (former BSE faculty) organized that original symposium and presented their unique perspectives on evolving needs in this topic area as keynote speakers in ILES X. Tami and Rick served on the planning committee as program chairs and local hosts for this successful ASABE specialty conference. Dr. Brown-Brandl conducts research that expands the use of technology in livestock and poultry production, has attended several Precision Livestock Farming conferences in Europe, and led the effort to host a PLF conference in the U.S. As Extension Specialist in animal environment, Dr. Stowell looks to highlight in his extension programs and classes technologies that hold high potential for application on livestock and poultry operations.