Association Outlook

Montie D. Soules

asa executive secretary/CEO

Only You Control Genetic Decisions

It is the time of the year when folks are busy calving or battling winter weather to feed and care for their herds. By February, most cattle people, farmers and ranchers are tired of the battle that comes every winter. If you planned well and prepared for the winter - feeding, watering and general cattle duties - the chores are not nearly as taxing. Those who have prepared for the winter effects do not get the February blues like those that have a battle every day.

The same can be said about planning and preparing for the spring, summer and fall. Whether you are calving in January, February and March, or in March, April and May, you still need a breeding plan for 2022. Genetic selection is one of the most important processes in your cattle operation. Do you need to purchase a bull? Do you need to purchase some semen or get it shipped to the farm, so you have it ready when it is time to breed or have embryo transplant dates set up with the embryology team? These are all necessary preparations.

What tools will you use in selecting the genetics for your future? These decisions require more than just shooting from the hip. I am going to address something you may not think about. As you run the operation many of the choices you have are dictated to you even though you may be able to choose a different dealer or vendor. The prices you pay for fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities, feed, drugs, seed, fertilizer, most all your supplies, have a set price and you are required to pay the going rate. You can contract some of these items, like feed or fertilizer and a few other items, but the only big freedom you have to make an economic difference is in the genetics you select. You have complete control of this. That decision will carry a huge economic influence on the results next year. It is worth your time to sit down on those cold days and do some homework. It does not matter if you have 5, 50 or 100 cows, this time will be well spent. This is the one decision you make that can determine the outcome of the calf crop and the future of the cow herd.

Look at where you are and where you’ve been with genetics. Establish where you want to be, then decide how to make that happen with the females in your herd. Take your marketing plan into account and your options for adding value to the cattle, then look at what you need to do to get the value out of the calves, as well as the maternal influence for replacement type females. After doing your homework, finalize where you need to be and what you need to use. It may be time for a new herd bull. It’s a whole lot better to have time to find the right genetic package standing in the pasture than settling for whatever is available at the last minute. Same goes for semen and or any embryo transplant plans. There are more bulls available in February, March and April than later in the year.

Genetic decisions of “what I breed my cows to” is one of the most important decisions you make in your cattle operation. It truly is the only decision

you have complete control of and will

make a big difference in your bottom line for years to come.

You are the person who makes those decisions and decides what tools you will incorporate. Using EPDs will you put the emphasis on growth or maternal. Are carcass traits more important? How about using the Indexes like $BMI and $F and add in CED? Figure out the combination for your operation and stay committed to those numbers. Equally important is the physical phenotype. Make sure you have a quality individual that will help strengthen weaknesses in the cow herd. Yes, the performance data is valuable and definitely needed to add value and breeding values for the future but quality of the animal standing before you each time is equally important. The performance data must be attached to a high-quality animal for maximum value. Many animals are still sold on how they look and their phenotype that have acceptable performance data. One big mistake is not changing or getting something different if it is needed. There is Genetic decisions of a saying about doing the same

“what I breed my thing over and over again then cows to” is one of expecting different results. the most important The market for good decisioins you Shorthorns with good make in your cattle performance data is strong operation. and those who get prepared and have the product will get rewarded. This is not just a one year deal it is an ongoing selection process - a lifetime of input that makes the difference for success! =