Latest News From Beef Genetics

The American Hereford Association reports the breed experienced notable growth and increased use of Hereford genetics in the commercial cattle industry.

Understanding and valuing genetic data can present a daunting task to seedstock and commercial producers. Panelists were asked to describe how they use genetic data to navigate breeding decisions and market cattle.

Mature Weight (MW) is moderate in heritability (35%) meaning response to selection pressure to downsize cows can be accomplished more effectively. Most beef cattle registries calculate MW EPDs. 

Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 19th Profit Proven GAR-Influenced commercial female saw 653 head sell for an average of $2,155.

The Beef Grand Challenge Project was launched to ascertain the interaction of genetic and environmental effects, improve production efficiency and evaluate nutritional benefits of beef raised in different environments.

Genetics solutions exist to achieve superior feed efficiency and superior carcass quality. Both are relevant to profitability in cattle production.

AgBoost adds Jorgensen cattle genetics expertise to their development and commercialization of AgBoost tools for cattlemen.

The American Angus Association concluded its fiscal year which marked the seventh-consecutive year with more than 300,000 registrations, and the breed surpassed 20 million registrations overall.

Complete reporting by breeders is essential to Wagyu breed improvement, according to Colorado State geneticist.

ABS Global has partnered with Lamar Steiger, beef supply chain consultant and rancher, to drive uptake on supply chain focused efforts and integration of ongoing genetic innovations.

Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Professor at the University of California, Davis, gave a presentation, “Gene Editing Today and in the Future” during the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium June 24 in Des Moines, Iowa.

To promote improved heifer development, increase marketing opportunities for females and create reliable sources of high-quality replacement heifers, the Red Angus Association launched the “Red Choice” program.

The 2022 Hereford Feedout Program and NJHA Fed Steer Shootout provide breeders the opportunity to collect valuable carcass and performance data, maximize profit potential and expand marketing avenues.

Arizona rancher Ross Humphreys joined the cattle industry later in life than most, but his drive for raising high-quality beef earned the Certified Angus Beef 2021 Commercial Commitment to Excellence Award. 

Vytelle, a precision livestock company, announces the closure of an oversubscribed Series A funding worth USD $13.2 million.

Looking back is helpful. Looking forward is essential. Temple Grandin did both during the American Wagyu Association’s 2021 Annual Convention in Fort Collins, Colo.

Fertility is an extremely important economic trait and genetic prediction of bull fertility is non-existent in most genetic evaluations, says a University of Wisconsin assistant professor of quantitative genetics.

Weaning heavy, fast growing calves starts with conception. Cows conceiving every year and weaning even the most marginal calf can and still compete with a genetic giant with a zero in her average.

Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 17th Fall Bull Sale saw a total of 343 Angus bulls sell along with the largest offering of genomically tested, bred commercial females ever to sell at GAR.

Establishing a world-class seedstock business didn't happen overnight for the Yon family. They're dedicated to quality in every aspect of the operation, from cattle to grass.

Since 1972, there has been an increasing trend for the Milk expected progeny difference (EPD) within the Angus breed. Is this trend of increased Milk EPD a benefit or burden for producers?

The Red Angus Association of America plans to provide herdbook registry of Red Angus animals carrying gene-edited traits for heat tolerance and coat color.

The International Brangus Breeders Association announces the launch of the Brangus® Vigor Feeder Calf Program, a Process Verified Program (PVP).

Most commercial bulls ultimately cull themselves due to injury or old age. The USDA Meat Animal Research Center evaluated the ability of genetic testing to inform management decisions around bull prolificacy.

Producers should create breeding goals that will be profitable while being realistic, consistent, and driven by animal data, says Troy Rowan, University of Tennessee.

K-State geneticist suggests modifications to breeding systems to achieve end product goals.

Over the last decade, the American Hereford Association reports a 150% growth in marbling and an 86% growth in rib eye area. AHA's feedout programs give producers data to make more informed breeding decisions.

In order for gene editing in agricultural animals to “unleash enormous gains in productivity,” a remodeling of the federal landscape is imperative, experts conclude.

The Red Angus Association of America announced a summer bicycle ride fundraiser for its Junior Members, including a pledge from the CEO.

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Cow Camp Ranch of Lost Springs, Kan., the Seedstock Producer of the Year Award during the group’s annual convention in Des Moines, Iowa.

Vytelle announces the release of the Top 150 Proven Bulls, a list compiled using data collected by Vytelle SENSE systems and Vytelle INSIGHT analytics services, formerly known as GrowSafe Systems.

Estrus synchronization is a reproductive tool that facilitates the use of artificial insemination and natural service. Estrus synchronization is never a substitute for poor nutrition, poor herd health or management.

A panel of speakers entertained and educated attendees during the “Celebrating Santas” Field Day held at Went Ranches, Bay City, Texas, as part of the 70th Santa Gertrudis Breeders International Annual Meeting.

While demand proved strong for all bulls in Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 6th Annual “Meating Demand” sale, the 14- to 17-month-old bulls drew the highest bids, averaging $7,139 on 61 lots.

Before Bodey Langford got into the seedstock business twenty years ago, he was a commercial cattlemen. Even then, there were obvious quality trends.

Data collected by the Red Angus Association of America suggest producers who regularly genotype their females make more rapid genetic progress than their counterparts.

Registration is now open for the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention. This year’s event will be hosted in person June 22-25 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 42nd Spring Sale held Saturday at the ranch near Ashland, Kan., saw a total of 898 head sell to 275 buyers from 30 states, Canada and Mexico.

After considering traits most economically important to us in our own production and marketing system, bull selection is critical to maximize the genetic potential of future calf crops to perform in those traits.

Precision livestock company Vytelle has assembled the first integrated technology platform built to accelerate genetic progress in cattle, allowing producers to deliver more protein with fewer inputs.

Breeding season is just around the corner and it’s time to consider your investment in genetics to maximize the profit potential of the calves that will be born next year.

During the Angus University “Revolutionary Marketing” webinar hosted Tuesday, Feb. 16, Troy Marshall shared that cattleman have invested in good genetics and now is the time they can stand out in the marketplace.

The American Hereford Association reports increases in registrations and memberships this fiscal year, while sale averages climbed. The breed's drive for genetic improvement includes a focus on the female.

The American Angus Association® recently named Esther McCabe, Ph.D., a third-generation Angus producer originally from Elk City, Kansas, as director of performance programs.

USDA announces the finalization of a MOU with FDA outlining responsibilities concerning the regulation of certain animals developed using genetic engineering that are intended for agricultural purposes. 

Carcass trait EPDs for Limousin and Lim-Flex® cattle took a leap forward with the inclusion of more than 45,000 harvest data phenotype records from Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle into the IGS national cattle evaluation.

More information can lead to more dollars at sale time. Paul Dykstra, assistant director of supply management and analysis for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, gives tips for marketing commercial feeder calves.

Tennessee native and former University of Georgia animal science department head and Beef Improvement Federation pioneer Dr. Charles McPeake, 75, died Dec. 18, 2020.

ABS Global and The Bair Ranch are collaborating to demonstrate the potential impact of a cow-calf management system utilizing sex-skewed semen and terminal genetics.  

USDA announced its intent to have primary oversight over gene-edited livestock. Secretary Perdue said this would be a significant step in modernizing regulations of agricultural animals produced by genetic engineering.