Ginette Kurtz
The Source
Genomics can enhance a commercial program.
Being from the Show Me State means I like to see things for myself. Last year our information technology (IT) department did programming to show GeneMax® (GMX) Focus™ results on the AngusSource® and AngusSource Genetic Marketing Documents if producers tested one-third of their enrollment group. This added another marketing layer for buyers to use to make the best purchasing decisions.
If HD50K-tested bulls are being used, another great feature GMX Focus offers is sire matching. After supplying a list of potential sires, Focus results will include a most-likely sire for each tested calf. Producers who use multi-breed sire pastures love this feature when they retain replacement heifers so they can make educated breeding decisions on those matings.
Many seedstock producers have embraced the HD50K technology while some ask, “Is it really worth the investment?”
Last weekend I traveled to the New Mexico Angus and Hereford Association Bull and Heifer Sale. They really went all-out to put on an awesome event. The producers worked hard to give customers outstanding, range-ready bulls who were just itching to get out to the pastures. Mitzi Miller, New Mexico Angus Association secretary, said this year’s sale was the most successful event to date. The seats at the Roswell sale barn were full, and it was a standing-room-only crowd that came to buy bulls. The bull sale average on 72 lots was $6,550.
Wait, there is more. Seventeen of those 72 lots were HD50K-tested. Those bulls averaged $6,800. Now if you sharpen up your pencil, that shows those bulls brought $250 more dollars per bull. The HD50K test costs $75 each. That is a 233% return on your investment! Commercial producers say they want more information to make better buying decisions. Looks to me like those guys spoke with their billfolds.
Many commercial producers have indicated they are rebuilding their herds. The drought really cleaned out breeding stock in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. Producers want to rebuild with the best genetics they can afford. They want to produce high-quality feeder calves that will pay extra dollars years down the road.
Buying those registered-Angus bulls that were HD50K tested is really a double-win. The buyers were able to use higher-accuracy expected progeny differences (EPDs) for selection purposes. When they get ready to choose their replacement heifers and GMX Advantage™ test their replacement heifer group, they will get sire identification data, too.
Data and information can be the key to profitable decisions. The American Angus Association has many programs and services that dovetail between a platform of programs for the seedstock producer and all his commercial customers. Future Angus Stockmen is one of the newest programs that uses multiple programs to give young commercial producers some options. Once enrolled, they have the opportunity to try several programs at a reduced cost. Those programs include AngusSource or AngusSource Genetic, BRS or MaternalPlus®, and GMX Focus.
If you would like more information about the programs and services offered to commercial producers, call the American Angus Association representative in your area.
Editor's Note: Ginette Kurtz is the director of commercial programs at the American Angus Association.
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