It pays to produce quality cattle, marketer says |
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By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition |
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August 25, 2005 - Quality cattle production is on the agenda of the North East Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO). In fact, during the organization’s recent field day in Hopkins County, an hour of discussion centered on producing top-quality cattle that consumers prefer. Joe Fuller is the vice president of customer service and marketing for the Camp Cooley Ranch in Franklin. He explained to the audience that before beginning a production plan, they should consider beef industry demands. For example, he cited trends related to source verified, process and health certified, and uniform beef. The goal, according to Fuller, is for producers to create cattle to be proud of and known for. “You should develop your own quality genetics and your own reputation,” he said. The first step is herd development, and that begins with a bull. Fuller explained the significant role a bull plays in a herd. He said one bull has 25 times more impact on the herd than one cow, because if one bull can breed 25 cows a year, there are 25 calves carrying the genetic material of the bull, compared to one calf per year per cow. Bulls are responsible for several traits in a herd and should be chosen carefully. Those traits, according to Fuller, include weights, carcass traits, maternal ability of the daughters, and environmental adaptation. “Carcass traits are some of the most highly inheritable traits you can get in cattle,” explained Fuller. To maximize the desirable traits in a herd, Fuller noted many producers are using Angus bulls because of their carcass traits. But, unique operation goals should also be considered when choosing a bull or breed. “What I say is begin with the end in mind,” said Fuller. He suggested knowing where you want the operation to go before making herd and bull selections. For example, a terminal steer operation would have different goals and selections compared to an operation that concentrates on a calving heifer market. To better assist a producer in making the best decision for their operation, Fuller recommended the use of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). He added that all producers should understand and know how to use EPDs. As a caution, he noted that every breed calculates EPDs differently so they are more effective when comparing animals of the same breed. Breed websites usually offer information on EPDs. He noted that buyers should be aware of certain cattle statistics: maternal milk, scrotum circumference, frame scores, average daily gain, and carcass traits like ribeye area, intramuscular fat, back fat, rump fat, and percent retail product. Fuller pointed out that EPDs can offer insight to quality grade. For example, he said if the intramuscular fat was 4.8 and the animal had a marbling score of .3, the animal would presumably grade low Choice. When looking at EPDs and considering bull and herd selection, Fuller suggested a centralized focus. “Prioritize,” he said. “Ask, what are the big issues I need to cover? “Pick one to three traits to improve on. Don’t take them all on at once.” Once the priorities are in order, he recommended producers find a genetic supplier that understands their needs. Fuller highlighted the buyer’s bill of rights. He said buyers are entitled to honest, accurate and complete performance information, and pedigree integrity. On the other end, a buyer should have reasonable expectations and realize that no bull can accomplish all of an operation’s goals. In closing, Fuller discussed the importance of a cooperative market - that all cattlemen, buyers, and sellers work together and utilize ideal market and management practices to promote the advancement of the cattle industry. |
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