Breeding a Champion: Morley Griffith

By Megan Underwood

Many Red Angus breeders strive to produce a champion heifer at some point in their career. For Morley Griffith, her goal was achieved at the 2022 North American Junior Red Angus Event in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Griffith’s heifer, MHG Barcelona 107J, was selected as the Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Female and the Grand Champion Owned Female, on the red dirt.

“I have been very fortunate to have success in the showring on the national level, but to do it with a bred-and-owned heifer, and her mother being the one that started my success, is really special. Especially, because it’s my senior year and my show career is coming to a close,” said Griffith.

“Breeding show cattle is a difficult challenge, as you’re trying to make them as perfect as possible. You have to evaluate your animal and just try to get it right.

“To feel like you got it right this time is a big deal and I’m very blessed to have experienced the special moment,” Griffith explained.

When you begin the genetic selection process, you’re trying to get the animal as perfect as possible. For Morley, she began by looking at the heifer’s mother, DAMAR Barcelona E067. The cow had been very successful in the showring and really took her breeding program to the next level. She started looking at what she would change or improve in the next generation, this included setting her tailhead down and cleaning her up in the front end. Once she knew her desired improvements, she began searching for a bull that could do these things with a moderate-framed female and not overpower the cow.

“We had seen Red Box (MANN Red Box 55C) be successful, and thought with his frame size and genetics, we thought he would be the right match to make the improvements and keep the female’s stoutness. I think we were able to do that,” Griffith said.

It’s important to remember you might not achieve perfection on the first try. Griffith showed another bred-and-owned heifer out of a different sire who had the improvements, but didn’t keep the stoutness. She learned from this mating, went back to the drawing board ad found the bull to meet the mold. Constantly evaluating breeding decisions is important to improve the next generation.

Genetic selection is an important step in the breeding process, but managing the cow and calf to reach the maximum genetic potential starts on day one.

“The cow has been a genetic breeding piece that has produced many bred-and-owned heifers, the daily care on her is maintained to the highest standard possible,” explained Griffith. “Whether that is making sure her vaccinations are up-to-date or daily checks, she’s an investment and it’s important you care for her to the best of your ability.”

Griffith suggests juniors listen to advice from other breeders and attend events like JRA Round-Up. You have the opportunity to see breeding operations across the country, take what you learn and respin it into your operation.

“Having EPD and DNA specialists at Round-Up made for unique experiences. We learned more about comparing bulls from different operations and how to select genetics to achieve your goals. Always keep the door open for new opportunities,” advised Griffith.

Griffith could not achieve her success without the people who have invested in her. She takes the opportunities to engage and listen to the people around her and lets their knowledge influence her decisions. Neil and Leslie Thompson have been instrumental to her success, as his knowledge and her ability to care for cattle, have taken her to the next level. Her parents have positioned her to learn from the best in the business and encouraged her to make the most of opportunities.

“Find your team and let them help you achieve your goals,” she said.

“Being selected NAJRAE female champion both days, was special to do with my family and the team that has invested so much time into me,” said Griffith. B&B

The road to the NAJRAE championship has been a golden one for MHG Barcelona 107J and Morley Griffith this year. In January, the duo captured the Cattlemen’s Congress Reserve Champion Junior Heifer title. They followed up in March with not only the Grand Champion Red Angus Heifer at the Oklahoma Youth Expo, but also the Reserve Champion Overall Supreme Bred-and-Owned Female. is no point stressing about it. Try to be positive and trust the Lord will provide. Be smart when there is a good harvest and prepare for the drought. It will come.” • “Know the difference between “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and the law of diminishing returns. At some point, it’s best to get rid of your equipment and go to an auction to find something used that you can get more life out of without spending so much time in the shop.” • “Buy more cows!”