The C-Lock Symposium brings scientists, innovators, and industry partners together to shape the future of livestock sustainability. Participants will explore new findings from GreenFeed systems, exchange ideas, and build collaborations that drive meaningful progress in emissions research.
The symposium will aim to identify key gas emission phenotypes for standardized evaluation, creating shared baselines that improve consistency and comparability across GreenFeed studies.
Work toward developing standardized procedures and analytical methods for emissions phenotyping in beef cattle. Establishing consistent data collection and analysis frameworks will improve study reliability and comparability.
Through coordinated partnerships and shared expertise, the symposium will advance research on emerging emissions phenotypes, supporting their integration into beef cattle genetic improvement programs.
The C-Lock Symposium will unite top university and industry experts who utilize GreenFeed systems to measure greenhouse gas emissions in beef cattle. This collaborative event aims to showcase cutting-edge research within the C-Lock network, fostering open discussion, data sharing, and cross-institutional partnerships. By connecting researchers and aligning methodologies, the symposium seeks to accelerate progress in understanding the genetic and environmental drivers of emissions and enhance strategies for sustainable, low-carbon beef production.
Join leading researchers, industry experts, and producers to help shape the future of low-emission beef production. This event is designed to connect minds, share data, and drive progress in understanding and standardizing emissions phenotyping for cattle genetics for the industry’s leading experts..
By attending, you’ll gain insight into cutting-edge research, participate in discussions that define industry standards, and build valuable collaborations that move sustainable beef production forward.
Experience an exclusive look at the breakthroughs transforming beef cattle genetics and emissions research. At the C-Lock Symposium, you’ll connect directly with the scientists, industry leaders, and innovators driving progress across the global GreenFeed network.
The symposium fosters collaboration among experts striving for consistent, science-based standards in emissions measurement. Participants will have the opportunity to network, exchange knowledge, and strengthen partnerships within the C-Lock community.
Enhance your understanding of the genetic and environmental drivers behind sustainable beef systems. Participants will gain valuable knowledge to inform research, breeding, and management strategies that reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
Attendee Check-In, Badge & Registration Bag Pickup
Welcome! Dr. Patrick Zimmerman, CEO, C-Lock Inc.
Welcome Lunch – Introduction of C-Lock Team
Opening Remarks: Dr. John Pollak (1:15-1:30 PM) Goals and Objectives
Scott Zimmerman, President, C-Lock Inc.
Title: Coming Soon
Caleigh Iwanski, Graduate Research Assistant under Dr. Megan Rolf, Kansas State University
Title: From Measurement to Merit: Methane Data in Beef Cattle Genetic Prediction
Dr. Fran Cowley, Associate Professor Livestock Production, University of New England
Title: Coming Soon
Dr. Bob Weaber, Professor and Head, Eastern Kansas Research and Extension Centers, Kansas State University
Title: Standardization of sustainability phenotypes: the role of the Beef Improvement Federation
Ross Havens, Marketing Coordinator, Nichols Farms
Title: Collecting Phenotypes
Afternoon Break
Working Session – table: How your group is using GreenFeed, test length, number of visits, etc.
Working Session – panel: How your group is using GreenFeed, test length, number of visits, etc.
Dr. Arjan Jonker, Senior Scientist, New Zealand Institute of Bioeconomy Science at the Grasslands Research Centre
Title: Breeding low methane sheep, from research to implementation
Final Wrap-Up and Adjourn
Happy Hour Networking
Group Dinner at the hotel-Complimentary
Breakfast – Cook-to-order provided by hotel, served in the back atrium.
Opening Remarks: Scott Zimmerman, President, C-Lock Inc.
Recap of Day 1
Dr. Matthew Cleveland, Senior Director of Global Bovine Sustainability, ABS
Title: Scaling selection for sustainability traits through commercial beef breeding programs
Dr. Troy Rowan, Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
Title: Uncovering Molecular Phenotypes of Efficient Cows
Dr. Francisco Peñagaricano, Associate Professor, Judge John J. Crown Chair in Dairy Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Title: Breeding for more environmentally friendly dairy cows
Morning Break
Dr. Sara Place, Associate Professor of Feedlot Systems, AgNext – Colorado State University
Title: Overview of CSU AgNext research using GreenFeed to assess gas flux from beef cattle
Dr. Hector Menendez, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Livestock Grazing Specialist, South Dakota State University
Title: A Systems Thinking and Dynamics: Unpacking Complex Beef Phenotypes and Genetics
Dr. Paul Smith, Research Scientist, Teagasc
Title: Coming soon.
Sponsor Presentation
Sponsored Lunch
Working Session – table: topic to be defined
Working Session – panel: topic to be defined
Dr. Nicolas Gengler, Full Professor of Genetics, Genomics, and Numerical Modeling at Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège
Title: Beef-on-Dairy: The Belgian Approach to Address Theoretical and Practical Challenges Using Genomics, Selection Index Theory, Infrared Spectroscopy and GreenFeed Systems
Dr. Meredith Harrison, Sr. Manager GHG Program Analytics, Tyson Foods
Title: Scoping Out supply Chain Emissions
Afternoon Break
Scott Zimmerman, President, C-Lock Inc.
Title:
Brandon Peterson, Director of Global Sales, C-Lock Inc.
Title: Coming soon
Closing Remarks: Dr. John Pollak
Next steps and assign committees
Adjourn
Leave hotel
Arrive at the Climate-Smart Research Facility
Refreshments/Break
Tour
Travel back to hotel
The Platinum Sponsor receives premier visibility throughout the symposium. This includes acknowledgment as the Presenting Partner on all promotional materials, signage, and digital communications.
As the Happy Hour Networking sponsor, your company helps create a vibrant gathering that fosters meaningful connections while helping support the success of the overall program.
As a Break Sponsor, your organization provides attendees with a refreshing pause that enhances their experience and supports the success of the full event program.
Collaborator Sponsors help make the symposium possible and are recognized as key contributors to advancing emissions research and standardization.
