What Can Performance Data Do for You?

With added emphasis being place on today’s cattle producers to utilize performance data within their operations, many may be left wondering what the benefits will be. Sometimes as a small breeder it is easy to ask “what does my data really matter, if any, besides-I only want to register a few head this year.”

Performance should matter to all breeders; no matter how big or how small. Performance data relies on the submission of data from all breeders and cattle. When considering how EPD’s work, all data is averaged to give indicators of genetic performance. When only cattle to be registered have data submitted, it skews the accuracy of all EPD’s.  The concept is simple; we need all the data we can get for the most accurate EPD’s possible.

Some beneficial thoughts about submitting and utilizing performance data:

• EPD's are a common sense approach to competing with other breeds in a factual, easy to compare manner. When the ASA completes its transition to the Multi-Breed EPD system, breeders will receive EPD’s that compare to the largest genetic evaluation system in the industry.

• Improved marketing opportunities will result for cattle with EPD data to back their genetics. Cattle that are proven with accurate EPD results will be more appealing to customers who want to keep performance in check. 

• The breed will experience long term improvement through better data records.  Performance records take the effort of all breeders submitting data for the good of the whole breed to be of great use. 

The Shorthorn breed has a decision to make as the ASA transitions to the Multi-breed EPD evaluation system. Will the Shorthorn breed utilize performance data to its full potential? Please take time to consider the impact your herd’s data can play in the enhancement of the whole breed. 

Building a Better Future

With summer comes the process of moving cattle to pasture, AI breeding, and administering vaccinations. As producers are hard at work with such activities, it is a great time to evaluate practices and facilities for possible areas to improve handling of cattle.

The movement for animal welfare and safe handling processes has increased dramatically in past years. Numerous food retail outlets have incorporated animal handling requirements before products are purchased from suppliers. Consumers want to be reassured they are receiving a safe, wholesome meat product that was handled appropriately. As producers, keeping ahead of the trend will not only make for more efficient use of time when working or moving cattle, but will help the beef industry gain credibility and trust from beef consumers.

The first step to assuring quality in our beef products is to carefully evaluate methods that are in practice at our operations now. Look for areas that need to be improved. Examples include improving working facilities that are lower-stress for animals, taking note to not overcrowd animals, or improving lighting in working facilities for a safer environment. Evaluating the method in which cattle are worked is an important step for cattlemen to take. Programs such as Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) are ways to improve knowledge of appropriate handling of cattle. Sharing BQA information with employees or others involved in the direct management and care of cattle allows everyone involved in the operation to handle cattle safely and contribute to overall success.

Consumers are more concerned than ever about the quality of meat products we provide.

Members of the American Shorthorn Association have a unique opportunity to position themselves as leaders in the beef industry by taking beef quality assurance and safe handling techniques seriously. Image the impact that the breed could have in the future with 50%, 80%, or 90% of our membership certified in BQA. Today’s consumers are demanding their food is safe and properly handled. By spreading the message that more beef producers, are determined to meet and exceed consumer demands, we will build confidence and demand for our product. Marketing efforts in today’s world could make a dramatic difference in demand for Shorthorn beef if our membership base was viewed as a group of cattlemen concerned about the quality of product and the consumer who purchases it. There is no time better than the present to prepare and pave the way for a bright prosperous future.  

Are You Ready for Summer?

Are You Ready for Summer?

Memorial Day is this weekend! With the holiday's arrival, marks the unofficial start of summer. As summer arrives, focus should shift towards herd maintenance issues. Taking the time to prep for herd health concerns will ensure a healthy cow herd through the duration of the hot, stressful summer months for cattle.

Some tips for cattle management throughout the summer months are:

• Water
• Provide constant fresh water source for cattle on pasture. Cattle require more water during the summer months than one may realize. Consider the minimum requirements for cattle at 90F. 
• 400 lb Calves: 9.5 gallons/min per day
• Lactating Cows: 16.2 gallons/min per day
• Mature Bulls: 20 gallons/min per day
• Mineral Program
• Cattle should continue to receive a high quality mineral supplement while on summer pastures. Consider the demands of hot weather, terrain, and lactation on cows; supplement accordingly for increased conception rates and herd heath.
• Fly Control
• With summer, comes the return of flies. Flies are a major nuisance for cattle and producers. Flies are able to spread pink eye and mastitis through the herd, as well as increase herd stress. Consider multiple options when seeking to control fly population. Methods that make a difference include fly control mineral supplements, fly tags, insecticide dispensing rubs for cattle, among others. Evaluate the needs of your herd for the most effective program to suit your needs. 

From everyone at the American Shorthorn Association, enjoy your holiday weekend!

Welcome to ASA, Rachel!

Monday marked the first day of Rachel Linder's summer internship at the American Shorthorn Association! After making the long trip from Louisville, Ohio, Rachel is settling into the office; she is already busy and hard at work with Jr. National entries and other tasks for the big event next month!

Rachel  is a dual major in Animal Sciences-Animal Industries and Agriculture Communications major at the Ohio State University. She is the daughter of Clifford and Julie Linder. Rachel was raised on a small Simmental farm. Growing up in agriculture and participation in 4-H livestock expositions sparked her interest in the livestock industry from a young age. Linder was an active participant in the Ohio and American Junior Simmental Associations. Rachel’s interests include showing cattle, spending time with her family and playing volleyball and softball.

When asked what she was most looking forward to during her internship, Linder commented that she is looking forward to “being totally immersed in a breed of cattle that I would normally not get to be around. I also look forward to meeting many new people and to gain new experiences in the industry.”

From all of us at the American Shorthorn Association, Welcome Rachel! 

Changes to ASA Genetic Testing Procedures

The American Shorthorn Association is transitioning to utilizing GeneSeek for all genetic testing. As a result of the change, there are several new forms and processes members should be aware of.

• GeneSeek Sample cards (hair or blood) will now be the only accepted cards for testing. Sample cards can be obtained by filling out the online request form at: http://shorthorn.org/registrations/genetictesting/gthowto_registrations.html or by contacting the American Shorthorn Association at (402) 393-7200.

• Samples returned on cards from other labs will be charged a $2 re-carding fee by the lab.

• All DNA samples (hair, semen, blood) must first be sent to the American Shorthorn Association with appropriate forms and fees. The association will make weekly shipments to the GeneSeek lab.

• Updated forms for use can be found online at : http://shorthorn.org/registrations/genetictesting/gthowto_registrations.html

• Forms available include the Genetic Testing Form to order any genetic testing desired and a parental testing form for verification of unknown parentage.

As always, if any questions arise, please contact Jake Alden at the American Shorthorn Association at (402) 393-7200. 

Shorthorn Spring

Spring has finally arrived. After a winter that seemed would never end and cold early spring weather, temperatures in the 70's and 80's are a welcome relief. It is always a highlight of the year to watch the trees and flowers wake up from their winter hibernation and bloom into their springtime beauty.

With spring comes the greening of pastures. Green grass pairs impeccably well with cows that are equally excited about the arrival of spring with an unquenchable hunger for fresh green grass. As cattle producers, springtime is an excellent time to check off important items off the herd “to do list.” As cattle will soon be turned out to pastures, taking the time to make sure all fencing is in top shape can save you lots of time this summer with fence repairs or chasing down pasture escapees. In May, you have either already started breeding season, or its arrival is quickly approaching. Take the time now to make sure all breeding bulls have been evaluated for breeding ability and that all AI supplies have been ordered and are ready for use.

Any way you look at it, spring is an exciting time for all! I love taking time to watch the calves playing together on nice spring days! I caught this calf taking a break after playing last weekend on my farm.

Happy Spring! 

Shorthorns on the Move

By: Megan Brehm

Hello Shorthorn World! My name is Megan Brehm, the Director of Communications and Marketing at the American Shorthorn Association. Since taking my position in February, I have been busy working to update promotional materials, social media, coordinating press releases, and more. The American Shorthorn Association and the beef industry are abuzz with energy and activity.

It is one of my goals to increase the presence of the American Shorthorn Association through social media and other agricultural publications. The more people see information about Shorthorns the better! I will continue to make regular blog posts to Shorthorn: Right Now. The blog will be an informal way to share happenings at the association, events within the beef industry, and the occasional post just for fun! 

For my first post, I would like to take the opportunity to take time to share some information about myself. I grew up in Southeast Nebraska near Talmage on my family’s farm. Growing up on the farm I was extremely active with our cattle herd of mostly Shorthorn composite cows. Since my early days preparing my 4-H steers and heifers, I have continually built more and more of a passion for Shorthorns. I am thankful for those early experiences and how they have shaped me to this day.

Several Shorthorns grab a bite of new green grass on an early April day in Nebraska.

I live near Syracuse, Nebraska with my husband Randy and four year old daughter Lauren. Our farm consists of raising corn and soybean crops, hay, and cattle. Our cattle herd consists of Randy’s Polled Herefords and my Shorthorns. We've compromised on red and white cattle-they are just marked a bit differently. Lauren is our number one helper. She is anxiously awaiting her chance to enter the show ring. Mom of course hopes that it is with a Shorthorn at side.

My family: Megan, Randy, and Lauren

I believe that it is an awesome time to be in the cattle industry. Shorthorns continue to experience increased demand as more cattlemen are realizing their value. Shorthorn cattle have many attributes that can add value to any producer’s program. As the ShorthornPlus program continues to gain momentum, it is my hope that commercial demand for Shorthorn cattle will increase exponentially in years to come. The American Shorthorn Association is driven to make this a reality. I couldn't be happier to be a part of it!