Greater Omaha Packing Co. is launching a new program aimed at providing greater opportunities for producers to ensure that Hereford-influenced finished cattle can qualify for Greater Omaha’s Hereford program premiums.
“The demand for high-quality and branded beef continues to increase and becoming a staple in households,” says Dustin Schaaf, Greater Omaha Packing Co. head cattle buyer. “And what better breed to meet that demand with than with Hereford — the most tender meat out there. With protein prices so high we need to provide consumers with a quality, reliable eating experience so they will keep coming back to beef.”
The company’s new Hereford Affidavit is designed to address issues that disqualify cattle with strong Hereford genetics ineligible for associated premiums.
Schaaf explains the selection and breeding for increased eye pigmentation within the Hereford breed for the past several decades has made it more challenging for Hereford-crossed cattle to meet the traditional 51% whiteface phenotype requirement.
The new affidavit will allow commercial cow-calf producers to certify the Hereford genetic influence on their calves, ensuring eligibility for program premiums and making them more attractive for feedlots seeking to meet Hereford program requirements.
“The affidavit program is a double-edged positive sword,” says Ryan Topp, Topp Herefords, Grace City, N.D. “It allows commercial producers to not only be involved in a premium-based, value-added program, but also allows them to utilize the advantage of heterosis by crossbreeding to even further maximize their profitability.”
Greater Omaha Packing worked with the American Hereford Association to simplify the process and ensure that the true value of the breed’s genetics is recognized throughout the beef supply chain.
“I’m grateful for the American Hereford Association and its board of directors for supporting what will have a positive impact on Hereford-influenced cattle in the marketplace,” Topp says.
For more information about the program, contact Wesley Denton, Greater Omaha junior cattle buyer, at 402-575-4711 or wdenton@greateromaha.com; or Sara Cover, Greater Omaha supplier development program manager, at 308-458-7116 or scover@greateromaha.com.
