What’s a surefire way to help keep stocker calves on feed and shipping to feedlots on time? For a stocker operator from Verden, Oklahoma, it’s about controlling bovine respiratory disease (BRD) as soon as the cattle arrive. “When you have a calf that’s sick, it takes at least 30 days for that calf to get well and catch up with … Read More
Growing Hereford Demand Leads to Many Increases
Fiscal year 2014 was a year of expansion and growth for the Hereford breed as commercial producers continue to find value and predictability in utilizing Hereford genetics. “Record sale prices for bulls and females and increases in registrations, transfers and cows on inventory indicate the market is vibrant for Hereford genetics,” says Craig Huffhines, AHA executive vice president. “We’re excited … Read More
The Responsibility of Seedstock Producers
The room was packed with seedstock producers during the Hereford Genetic Summit, but the American Hereford Association thought it would be a good idea to bring in a few producers from outside the breed to share about their operations and what they feel is the responsibility of seedstock producers industry wide. Galen Fink operates Fink Beef Genetics in Randolph, Kansas … Read More
ASA Introduces New Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation
Shorthorn breeders are now able to enjoy the benefits of the newly implemented Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are calculated by the American Simmental Association Association’s Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation, which also calculates EPDs for the Gelbvieh, Red Angus, and Simmental breeds, among others. The “new” North American Shorthorn Genetic Evaluation is complete, representing over a year of diligence … Read More
The Value of Hereford Genetics in Commercial Herds
One of the hot topics discussed during the American Hereford Association’s Hereford Genetic Summit was the commercial cattle industry. More importantly, the value of Hereford genetics in breeding high quality feeder cattle. Ten years ago Lorna Marshall, beef marketing manager for Genex, spoke to Hereford breeders at a similar conference about how the breed could become more commercial applicable. “The … Read More
Economic Drivers Influence the Hereford Breed
Hereford breeders united to look at the data and production trends throughout the breed at the recent Hereford Genetic Summit. Looking at what is happening here and across the globe gives producers the insight to move the breed forward. CattleFax CEO, Randy Blach, said the Summit is a perfect way for the breed to continually compete in the marketplace. Producers … Read More
How to Understand Tomorrow's Consumer
The most important element in the chain of the beef industry is obviously the consumers. That is why it is imperative that we understand them. Sounds simple, right? Not always, because we have such a diverse array of consumers. The American Hereford Association brought in two experts to talk to producers about six thought starters to help us all understand … Read More
Charting the Course & Setting Sail with the Hereford Breed
Host of NCBA’s “Cattlemen to Cattlemen” and agribusiness consultant, Kevin Ochsner, opened and closed the Hereford Genetic Summit covering the importance of navigating and setting the course for the breeds future. “Breeders in the seedstock industry are really the architects of tomorrows beef industry. Because of that we have got to understand where this industry is headed, where are consumers … Read More
Tailgating Brazilian Style
Hereford breeders from across the country made their way to Springfield, MO to attend the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) Hereford Genetic Summit held on the campus of Missouri State University. After a welcome from AHA leadership and a quick glimpse of how we can navigate our future from Kevin Ochsner, a Hereford Tailgate Party gave us all a taste of … Read More
NCBA Seeks Intern for Cattle Industry Convention
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is accepting applications for internships during the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 4-7, 2015. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 6, 2014. This year will mark the 117th Cattle Industry Convention, which is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle industry. The convention and trade show create a … Read More