Genomic testing is gaining traction in the beef industry, but for many producers, adoption still feels out of reach. The tools are available and the data is powerful, but the starting point is often unclear.
Increasingly, producers are looking to their veterinarians for guidance. The challenge is that many veterinarians are still defining what their role in genomics should look like.
Insights from Dr. Kirk Ramsey, professional services veterinarian, and Kelsey Luebbe, genomics technical services scientist, both with Neogen, highlight both the opportunity and the uncertainty shaping this shift.
An Expanding Role for a Trusted Voice
Producers have no shortage of information about genomics. Industry media, technical specialists and webinars all contribute to awareness, but when it comes time to make decisions, veterinarians remain a trusted source.
That trust is rooted less in genomics expertise and more in long-standing relationships and a deep understanding of herd performance. Veterinarians already play a central role in decision-making on many operations. Genomics is simply extending that role into new territory.
For many practitioners, genomics aligns closely with work they are already doing.
Veterinarians advise on heifer selection, evaluate bulls and track reproductive performance over time. They understand how cattle perform within a specific environment and how past decisions continue to influence current outcomes. This perspective is increasingly valuable as genomic data becomes part of the conversation.
“We have to be very diligent about looking for opportunities to expand our consulting realm because we have to maintain a capacity to provide value to our customers, especially as technology comes on and is moving forward,” Ramsey says.
Rather than focusing solely on treatment and prevention, veterinarians are being pulled into more strategic discussions, helping producers evaluate trade-offs and set long-term direction.
“We have to be on top of understanding what’s out there, understanding how we can provide value, and then at the same time, trying to be more than just the traditional veterinarian that we have always been. Maybe dive in a little bit more and leverage our capacity to understand the production systems and new technologies, helping our customers be progressive.” Ramsey adds.
This adjustment does not replace traditional services, but builds on them.
The Confidence Gap
Despite this opportunity, many veterinarians do not feel fully prepared to lead genomic discussions.
“As a veterinarian, I had no idea that my producers were looking to me for genetic advice. I knew they were looking to me for treatment advice, vaccination protocols or maybe even general production type questions, but I didn’t realize I actually had that much influence over whether they would even look in the genomic direction,” Ramsey says.
There is a growing awareness that expectations have changed, even if training has not fully kept pace.
“We don’t have a ton of training as veterinarians on genomics,” Ramsey begins. “It was a class we took at 6:30 a.m. back in undergrad, but I don’t feel like I learned a lot more in the DVM program.”
At the same time, industry organizations and companies are beginning to expand continuing education and develop resources to support veterinarians in this space.
The knowledge gap exists, but it is narrowing.
A Practical Entry Point
For veterinarians, stepping into genomics does not require mastering every detail of the technology. It starts with approaching it the same way they approach other herd-level decisions.
“If somebody comes and says, ‘Hey, I want to start testing,’ the first thing is to establish the goals. What are you trying to accomplish? Where are we headed? What are the things that we can help you identify? Where are the hurdles that you currently are facing and how can we help you move past them?” Ramsey says.
1. Start with herd goals, not genomic tests
Genomics is most useful when it is tied to a defined objective. Without that context, even strong data has limited value.
“Sometimes that conversation stalls because ‘What are your goals?’ is such a huge, open-ended question. So we reframe it: Where are you making money? Where are you losing money? Or, where does it really bother you that you’re losing money? That’s where we start,” Luebbe says.
Framing the conversation around economics makes it more actionable.
2. Use what you already know about the herd
Veterinarians bring years of observation and data to the table. Genomics adds another layer, helping explain patterns and refine decisions rather than replacing existing knowledge.
3. Lean on available resources
While genomics-specific training for veterinarians is still developing, practical information is available through industry partners, genomic companies and professional organizations.
4. Focus on interpretation, not promotion
The veterinarian’s value lies in helping producers understand and apply results, not in selling a specific test.
5. Integrate genomics into existing decision points
Genomics fits naturally into decisions already being made, including replacement selection, breeding strategies and long-term planning.
What Getting Started Looks Like for Producers
For producers, the biggest barrier to adoption is often uncertainty, not resistance.
A practical starting point is to focus on a defined group of animals tied to an immediate decision, such as replacement heifers. This allows genomic data to be applied directly without overcomplicating the process. Luebbe suggests making the process fun can be a good entry point.
“Test the animals that you’re arguing about with your brother,” Luebbe says. “Whether it’s the whole bunch, the bottom 50% or the top 25%. Do it so that you can gain some additional information to help you make better decisions.”
Optimally, testing should represent the whole group being evaluated rather than a small subset of top-performing animals, ensuring the results provide a meaningful picture.
Genomics works best alongside visual assessment and experience. It adds insight into differences that are not always visible but does not replace practical knowledge.
The Growing Intersection of Genetics and Health
While genomics has traditionally focused on production and maternal traits, its role is expanding into health.
“We’re starting to bring more health-driven traits to the table. Using genomics to understand the capacity of the immune system for the animal and their genetic risk of developing bovine respiratory disease or congestive heart failure. We’re starting to see this change in the industry and leveraging genomics to understand what health concerns our cattle might be having,” Ramsey says.
This shift strengthens the connection between genomics and veterinary expertise, creating new opportunities to improve herd resilience and reduce disease risk through selection. As these tools evolve, veterinarians will play a key role in helping producers interpret and apply this information effectively.
A Shift Already Underway
Genomics is no longer a future concept. It is a tool that is steadily becoming part of everyday decision making.
“Genomics will never replace a producer’s understanding of their cattle,” Ramsey says. “But what it can do is uncover that layer hidden underneath the skin and identify the genetic capacity that they’re actually bringing.”
For veterinarians, the shift is already happening. Producers are asking questions, expectations are evolving and data is becoming part of routine conversations. The opportunity is not to become an expert in every aspect of genomics, but to build on the role veterinarians already hold.
Getting started does not require having all the answers. It requires stepping into the conversation and helping move it forward.
