When it comes to genetics, most producers have historically relied on phenotype, instinct and maybe a few legacy bloodlines when making buying or breeding decisions.
Nick Jorgensen, CEO of Jorgensen Land & Cattle, says his family has been using genomic testing since 2018 to help them make more informed breeding and selection decisions.
“Now you have genomics at your disposal,” Jorgensen explains. “As a commercial operator, that’s a revolutionary thing, in my opinion, because now not only do you have her actual phenotypic performance, but you also have a sense of what’s under the hood, genetically, what kind of potential is there.”
Jorgensen is a featured guest on episode four of “The Future of Beef Show” podcast.
Located in South Dakota, Jorgensen Land & Cattle is the largest Angus bull producer in the U.S., marketing approximately 6,000 bulls annually and influencing nearly 200,000 feeder calves each year.
Jorgensen explains their partnership with Zoetis in creating a unique, single-ranch genetic evaluation.
Tune into the podcast to learn more about Jorgensen’s genomic testing philosophy and to hear these five key points discussed:
- Genomic Testing Provides Significant Economic Value
Jorgensen explains that genomic testing can generate substantial economic benefits, such as identifying high-performing heifers and detecting bulls with breeding issues earlier in their development.
He encourages commercial producers to genomically test heifers at branding. This can help producers make more informed decisions about which animals to retain in their herds.
“Testing the right heifer can make you about 500 additional dollars over her lifetime,” he says. “The return on investment on that is unbelievable.”
According to Jorgensen, a key breakthrough has been their ability to predict breeding soundness in bulls more accurately. By using genomic testing, they’ve reduced the number of bulls failing semen tests by identifying potential issues earlier in the development process. This not only saves economic resources but also allows for more strategic management of young bulls. - Customized Genetic Evaluations Offer Superior Insights
By creating a ranch-specific genetic evaluation with Zoetis, the Jorgensen family can provide more precise, controlled data collection and develop custom traits specific to their operation, offering accurate genetic predictions.
“We’re going to recommend this bull to you, because it’s exactly what you need to move your herd forward,” he explains. - Consulting is Critical to Genomic Success
Simply providing a genetic test is not enough. Jorgensen emphasizes the importance of helping customers understand and leverage genomic data through personalized consulting, explaining results and guiding management decisions. - Early Testing Maximizes Genetic Potential
Testing animals as early as possible allows for more strategic management decisions. Jorgensen explains how early genomic testing can help sort cattle, identify top and bottom performers, and develop targeted management strategies.
“Test all of your calves at branding time,” he says. “By the time they’re weaned, you can know in large part where every one of those calves is going to go.”
DNA testing can help reshape feeder placement and profitability. He says they have seen a $90 difference in feedlot performance between a top 25% feedlot indexing steer and a bottom 25% feedlot indexing steer. In another study, they found that high genetic potential cattle were ready for market 45 days sooner than low potential cattle. - Supply Chain Integration is the Future
He says genomic testing is a pathway to more integrated beef production, potentially connecting seedstock producers, commercial producers, feedlots and retailers to create more consistent, traceable and profitable beef products. This approach could provide more transparency and value throughout the beef production process.
By leveraging genomics, the Jorgensen family is providing their customers more precise recommendations for bull selection, heifer retention and overall herd management. They are using data-driven decision-making to drive industry progress.
“Ultimately, the goal here is to help our customers make more money by way of producing better progeny, and putting better, more consistent beef into the beef system,” Jorgensen summarizes.
Your Next Read: Building the Next Generation Cow Herd Using Genomic Testing
