New ASA Commercial Data Program Kicks Off in 2022 Do your bull customers collect performance data on their calves? Would you like to partner with them to use their information to further validate your genetics? ASA’s new Commercial Producer Data Collection Program could be the answer you are looking for! The ASA has drafted a framework agreement to be used between ASA members and their commercial customers to gather complete performance records on Shorthorn genetics. This program includes guidelines on how to work with commercial producers and their cow herds from birth to yearling, and even tracking replacement females back into production. It is meant to give you the
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pieces to work closely with your customer base collecting this information in a way that benefits both parties. The Commercial Producer Data Collection Program is unique in our industry, giving the reins to the seedstock breeder on collecting information to further validate their genetics through commercial progeny testing. It outlines expectations of all parties involved: the Shorthorn breeder, the commercial producer, and the American Shorthorn Association. Starting from the Shorthorn breeder providing semen or herd sires to breed cows, to the data collection expectations from the commercial producer and on to ASA’s role in
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submitting the data to genetic evaluation and facilitating genomic data collection. The framework allows some flexibility to make data collection feasible in most commercial situations. For more information on how the Commercial Producer Data Collection Program could work for you and your customers, contact Matt (matt@ shorthorn.org) or Montie (montie@ shorthorn.org) to discuss this new venture. = Matt director of Woolfolk performance programs
