When Indiana beef producers from across the state gathered at the Indiana State Fairgrounds December 1-3 for the Hoosier Beef Congress (HBC), they had the opportunity to learn about Purdue Veterinary Medicine thanks to a booth the college hosted as part of the event’s expansive trade show. The booth highlighted the services of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
This marked the first year that the college had such a presence at the annual HBC, which is one of the largest, single-state junior cattle shows in the U.S. More than 1,200 animals were showcased at the event by nearly 900 youth exhibitors from across Indiana. Popular components of the HBC include the Junior Show, the HBC Sale, the Showmanship Contest, the Judging Contest, and the Team Fitting Contest.
Another highlight of the HBC is the wide variety of businesses that participate in the trade show to share information about their offerings and provide shopping opportunities. The Purdue Veterinary Medicine booth featured information on the ADDL’s bovine testing services as well as the bovine services available through the Farm Animal Hospital and Field Services.
“The Hoosier Beef Congress provides an important opportunity for us to interact with current and prospective bovine clients first-hand,” said Dr. Ellen Lowery, associate dean for hospital operations and chief veterinary officer. “We have excellent expertise and capabilities to meet the animal health needs of producers, working as a team with referring veterinarians, and this is a valuable means of spreading the word.”
The assistant director of the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Dr. Craig Bowen, said showcasing bovine testing services helps producers understand the ADDL’s vital role in protecting herd health and ensuring a safe food supply. “We are glad to have a presence at this event to help increase awareness and understanding of our capabilities and our commitment to beef producers,” Dr. Bowen said.
The PVM booth also was appreciated by Jeff Sherfield, president of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association Executive Committee (IBCA). “As president of IBCA/IBC and a beef producer, I was pleased to see the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s participation at the Hoosier Beef Congress,” Sherfield said. “I look forward to us having an ongoing strong working relationship and partnering together in serving the needs of not only beef herds but all food animals throughout the state. In particular, we recognize the desperate need for food animal veterinarians in many parts of the state.”
In addition, the IBCA’s executive vice president, Brian Shuter, talked about the value of having the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and the ADDL represented in the trade show. “The HBC is the biggest event that the IBCA puts on and provides a great way for organizations such as the College of Veterinary Medicine to get in front of our producers and talk about the critical services that they provide to our industry,” Shuter said.
As a member of the IBCA, the college helps ensure herd health and the success of beef producers. Special thanks to those who helped with the PVM booth at the HBC, including Kelly Dold, hospital and ADDL marketing and communications manager, who organized and coordinated booth arrangements, and volunteers who helped staff the booth: Dr. Andrew Hubner, clinical assistant professor of farm animal field services; Rebecca Hoffman, RVT, veterinary nurse for Bovine and Swine Field Services; Dr. Craig Bowen, ADDL assistant director; and Adrianna Mann, of the DVM Class of 2026, who is the beef chairperson in the Food Animal Club.