ANGUS BEEF BULLETIN EXTRA

January 4, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 1

Balance as a Tool for Longevity

How can breeders balance operational goals with long-term goals in mind?

Geography creates different challenges for operations across the country. Even with those obstacles, breeders achieve success year after year. During the 2021 Angus Convention Genetics Symposium sponsored by Neogen, Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), moderated a panel of Angus breeders that represented diversity, but were consistent on maintaining the longevity of their operation. Gordon Stucky of Stucky Ranch, Adam Sawyer of A&B Angus and Scott Pohlman of Pohlman Cattle Co. shared perspectives, resources and ideas on how they create a plan and stick to it.

As panelists shared their own breeding objectives, all mentioned they focus on meeting the needs of their customers. Sawyer said 90% of their bull buyers derive their income from the cattle business, so they look at many traits to suit multiple needs.

“The female is very important to us,” he said, “but we also have a set of criteria for carcass traits that we don’t go below to stay on track with industry standards.”

“The female is very important to us, but we also have a set of criteria for carcass traits that we don’t go below to stay on track with industry standards.”

Hailing from the Panhandle of Texas, Pohlman shared his perspective of raising cattle on drought-prone land with minimal grass. He mentioned how important it is to not get caught up with the “latest and greatest top-selling herd sire.” Some of his customers won’t be able to capture the full genetic potential of that sire in the environment in which they live, he said, which is why he focuses on the foundational traits.

Aside from balanced breeding objectives and balanced traits, some may argue about the definition of balance. Sawyer defines balance as an all-encompassing term, where cattlemen can find everything they need to have breeding cattle that will work in a particular environment. Stucky says a balanced cow herd has no holes.


As panelists shared their own breeding objectives, all mentioned they focus on meeting the needs of their customers. Sawyer said 90% of their bull buyers derive their income from the cattle business, so they look at many traits to suit multiple needs.

Panelists highlighted the importance of data collection, especially since the American Angus Association recently surpassed the 1-million-genotype mark. Coupling genomics and expected progeny differences (EPDs) has allowed Sawyer and his operation to have more confidence in the data. For Stucky, submitting data through Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) and MaternalPlus® allows them to evaluate their whole herd every year. The data assist them in sorting their herd to help them determine the direction they want to go.

“The future of data collection will surely be better. We just have to be patient,” Stucky said.

Finding balance will continue to improve as Retallick-Riley shared the research being developed at AGI. However, she reminded the membership that the work is never done. There is always more to learn.

To learn more about finding balance in your operation, visit Angus University at https://www.angus.org/university.

Editor’s note: Whitney Whitaker is a communications specialist for the American Angus Association.




Angus Proud

In this Angus Proud series, Editorial Intern Jessica Wesson provides insights into how producers across the country use Angus genetics in their respective environments.



Angus Proud: Bubba Crosby

Fall-calving Georgia herd uses quality and co-ops to market calves.


Angus Proud: Jim Moore

Arkansas operation retains ownership through feeding and values carcass data.

Angus Proud: Les Shaw

South Dakota operation manages winter with preparation and bull selection.


Angus Proud: Jeremy Stevens

Nebraska operation is self-sufficient for feedstuffs despite sandy soil.