Justin Sexten, Ph.D., Director, CAB Supply Development Let’s say you weaned calves last fall but didn’t sell. Instead, you helped them cross the bridge to independent life in your dry lot pen and maybe on to a grazing program. Chances are, those “backgrounded” calves have moved on to a finishing yard or the next phase [...]
Benchmarks are key to guiding future sire purchases. By Kris Ringwall, Beef Specialist, NDSU Extension Service Did you like last year’s calves? Would you like to change something? Did you have some disappointments? Could you improve some performance traits? As the manager of the beef operation, you cannot steer change until you grab the steering [...]
By Matt Spangler, UNL Associate Professor and Beef Genetics Extension Specialist The majority of beef breed associations have made (or are currently making) substantial changes to their National Cattle Evaluation (NCE). These changes ultimately benefit commercial bull buyers by providing improved Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) and improved economic selection indices. This brief article is not [...]
Since 1993, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) has produced a table of factors to adjust Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) so that the genetic merit of individual animals can be compared across breeds. These adjustment factors are needed because EPDs published by one breed are inherently not comparable to those published by another breed. [...]
AGI launches the first foot score research EPDs in the U.S. beef industry. Angus Genetics, Inc. (AGI) announced today the release of two new foot score research EPDs, the first of its kind in the U.S. for beef cattle. The American Angus Association® has been collecting foot scores since 2015, with approximately 12,000 data points [...]
Phoenix – Two of the largest beef breed associations in the U.S. have teamed up to offer commercial cattlemen a groundbreaking, genetically verified program to improve their bottom line. The Red Angus Association of America and the American Hereford Association are proud to introduce the “Premium Red Baldy” program, designed to capitalize on the best [...]
Alfalfa is the fourth most widely grown crop in the United States and an important crop throughout the world. Known as the “Queen of Forages,” alfalfa can be grown alone or in mixtures with other plants. Its high protein content and nutritional quality make it an excellent food source for livestock, such as dairy and [...]
K-State’s 105th Annual Cattlemen’s Day set for March 2. MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University’s Animal Sciences and Industry Department will host Cattlemen’s Day 2018 on Friday, March 2 at Weber Hall in Manhattan. Gregg Doud will kick off the event by sharing his outlook on trade issues in the beef industry. “We’re excited and [...]
Date: 1/31/2018 Title: Cattlemen’s College Celebrates 25th Anniversary at 2018 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Phoenix, Ariz. (Jan. 31, 2018) – A total of 994 cattlemen and women acquired information that will help make their operations more successful Jan. 30-31 during the 25th annual Cattlemen’s College in Phoenix, Ariz. Held in conjunction with [...]
Calving season has started for some and will begin soon for others. Meanwhile, beef producers are preparing themselves for less sleep each night, as time spent observing cows day and night will soon start. Nearly 90% of beef producers regularly observe cows and heifers during calving (NAHMS, 2008), and research shows doing calving checks every [...]
