The Whiteface HEREFORDS — The Efficiency Experts August 2009 Herefords’ Undisputed Role in the Industry by Craig Huffhines, American Hereford Association executive vice president

or several years now, I have talked about the nonsensical demands placed on black hide color within theF U.S. industry. For years the U.S. sector has promoted and almost institutionalized the breeding of the become common practice The (AHA) Board, as well Hereford Role in national cow herd to an Angus or black- within our industry. as Hereford breeders, hided base. Hence, at least a dozen other Today the economic Heterosis understands that we must breeds of cattle have followed suit in cycle of the U.S. beef make our cattle better the chase of a more marketable animal industry is dramatically in order to compete; and since hide color has been more or less changing along with other we have! While working on the deciding factor in sorting cattle into industries struggling to make things that improve the quality perceived quality groups. ends meet in a difficult recessionary of our seedstock, we have also A couple of years back, I had a economy. All of us are facing growing invested a great deal in research that has discussion regarding breed improvement demands on input costs. The current quantified what the Hereford breed can do programs with a breed executive of government administration is, of all for the cow-calf sector, the feedlot sector one of the “turned black” breeds. We things, contemplating an added tax on and the food industry to help during were talking about the top few reasons beef producers because of the natural trying times. cows were being disposed of from our biological emissions cattle produce. The Harris Ranch project along with respective registered cow herds. The term “cap and trade” is certainly an the Circle A project documented the In the Hereford breed, cows were culled appropriate title to a tax that will absolutely real world heterosis advantages that the because they were old, they were open or cap profitability and kill trade. The green Hereford breed brings to the table when they were tailing off on their production movement, as irrational as it might seem crossed with Angus and Angus-cross cycle, among others. For the other sometimes, is not going away. The feedlot cows. This heterosis/hybrid vigor effect breed, the No. 1 factor for cows being industry is struggling not only to make directly affects long-term profitability of culled was because of color. The breed money but simply to limit their losses a cow-calf operation more dramatically was systematically eliminating genetics during this down turn, and the American than what most producers realize. that many breeders had spent a lifetime consumer is looking for a high-quality beef Cash flow, herd size, retained fertility developing because the cows were not product purchased at a bargain. and longevity are major drivers of cow- black. Now that, to me, is throwing the I outline these trends simply because calf profitability. They are difficult to baby out with the bath water, but it has the American Hereford Association continued on back page… Project Proves Profitability of Hereford-Angus Cross Economic analysis of Circle A Ranch Heterois Project results predicts an advantage of $514 net per cow over a period of 10 years.

sing Hereford bulls on Angus- further analyzed for economic emphasis, manager, says, “The female side was what based cows will give producers the results showed an advantage of $514 really peaked my interest, because we’ve advantages in profitability, cash net per cow over a period of 10 years. bred Angus for all these years, Uflow, herd size, and retained female That’s a $51 difference per cow per year. and I was curious if the heterosis from fertility and longevity according to a Economic models also predicted that the cross would make available a better recently completed study at Circle A if replacement females are retained over conception rate for us, and it did.” Angus Ranch. In fact, when the data were a period of 10 years, Hereford-sired To start the project, Circle A Ranch females will generate a AI-bred 600 commercial Angus cows 20% advantage in herd to 10 Hereford bulls with the goal of size for the same relative comparing the best of its Angus herd to cost versus the straight the best of the Hereford-Angus cross. The Angus commercial cows control group included progeny from three because of increased proven Angus sires. The average expected fertility and longevity. progeny differences (EPDs) of the Angus The study, conducted sires would place them in the top 30% by Circle A Ranch of the Angus breed for birth weight and headquartered in Iberia, top 20% of the breed for weaning weight. Mo., in cooperation with All of the cows and resulting calves were the American Hereford commingled and managed the same. Association (AHA), was Data were collected by Circle A staff started in 2007. Mark and interpreted by Dan Moser, Kansas Jack Ward (left) and Mark Akin, Circle A Ranch general manager, discuss the research project that started in 2007. Akin, Circle A Ranch State University associate professor of genetics, and Vern Pierce, University of Missouri associate professor of The agricultural economics. Hereford Role in The Hereford-cross calves showed Heterosis the advantage from birth. Average birth weight for the Hereford-sired calves was 72 lb., 3 lb. heavier than the Angus sires, but still desirable and nearly ideal for commercial operations, according to Moser. At weaning the Hereford-sired calves were 11.9 lb. heavier than the Angus- sired calves, despite the Angus sires ranking in the top 20% of their breed for weaning weight EPD. After being weaned, a portion of the steers were fed at Circle A’s feedlot in Huntsville, Mo., where the Hereford- The steers were placed on feed efficiency test at Circle A Feeders. Individual feed cross steers outgained the Angus by intake was recorded and evaluated. about .15 lb. per day. While both breed groups were similar for fat thickness (Angus = 0.52 versus About the project In 2007 Circle A Ranch, Iberia, Mo., agreed to participate in a research project Hereford = 0.54), the Hereford-sired with the American Hereford Association designed to determine and measure the steers had about 13 more lb. of carcass advantages of using Hereford genetics on commercial Angus cows. weight and about ¾ of an inch more Circle A used 10 Hereford bulls with the goal of comparing the best of its Angus ribeye area. herd to the best of the Hereford-Angus cross. Heifer calves were developed and Throughout the project, weaning weight and economically relevant traits such as bred at Circle A’s Lineville, Iowa, ranch. feedlot gain, feed efficiency and fertility of the black baldie females were all measured The Hereford-sired heifers showed and compared to straight commercial . Dan Moser, associate professor of their prowess as productive females by genetics at Kansas State University, analyzed and interpreted the collected data. boasting a 7% advantage in conception Results from the project documented the Hereford efficiency advantage. With a rate over the Angus heifers. 7% increase in conception rate, along with improved feed efficiency and average daily Seventy-five of the bred heifers were gain, Herefords were proven the right choice for commercial producers today. sold at Circle A’s annual production sale and averaged $110 more per head than Project specifics: their commercial Angus counterparts. 600 Circle A commercial Angus females were randomly AI-bred to 10 Hereford Maternal traits and the effect on birth • sires, of both proven and unproven genetics. and weaning weights of the calves will continue to be measured as the retained • The control group included progeny from three proven Angus sires, one being the heifers calve and rebreed. top Angus sire for registrations in 2008. The average EPDs of the Angus sires would Although difficult to measure, Circle place them in the top 30% of the Angus breed for birth weight and top 20% of the A staff members say they were impressed breed for weaning weight. with the baldies’ quiet, easy-to-handle • Average birth weight for the Hereford-sired calves was 72 lb. — 3 lb. heavier than the disposition as well. Angus sires, but extremely desirable and nearly ideal for commercial operations. Pierce evaluated the performance • At weaning the Hereford-sired calves were 11.9 lb. heavier than the Angus-sired differences between the Hereford and calves, despite the Angus sires ranking in the top 20% of their breed for weaning Angus groups including birth, weaning weight EPD. and feedlot growth and carcass data on • Resulting heifer calves were developed and bred at Circle A’s Lineville, Iowa, ranch. the steer calves and pregnancy rates from Conception rates were tracked. the female progeny of the sire groups. He • A portion of the steer calves were placed on a feed efficiency test at the Circle A developed an economic model projecting feedlot near Huntsville, Mo., and fed to harvest. the added value of Hereford heterosis • While both breed groups were similar for fat thickness (Angus = 0.52 vs. Hereford over a 10-year period. = 0.54), Hereford-sired steers had about 13 more lb. of carcass weight and about Pierce says, “The bottom line is if a ¾ of an inch more ribeye area. rancher with Angus-based cows uses • While feed conversion was nearly identical, Hereford-sired steers outgained Hereford bulls compared to using Angus the Angus-sired steers by almost .15 of a lb. per day. bulls and gets the same response as we • Heifer calves were bred and part of the group was marketed through the Circle A had in this study, he will have improved Production Sale with the baldie average price $110 more than the straight blacks. cash flow, increased herd size and more • Circle A staff appreciated the disposition of the Hereford-sired calves. calves to sell over a 10-year period.” “When we asked John and Mark if they would be willing to work with us on the Harris Ranch study, they both jumped at the opportunity,” Huffhines says. “They have always been loyal to the industry first. They have strived to protect our ranching rights, and they have never turned down an opportunity to evaluate those things that can make commercial cattlemen more profitable.” The AHA recognized the Lacey family in Denver by presenting them with the AHA Hereford Industry Innovator Award for their years of service to the beef industry and their commitment Believing in Heterosis and cooperation with the Harris Ranch John and Mark Lacey are presented the AHA Hereford Industry heterosis project.

Innovator Award for their years of service to the beef industry and their Ranching tradition cooperation in the Harris Ranch heterosis project. The Lacey family has been ranching in California since 1870. After settling in hird and fourth generation Hereford Association (AHA) executive the Owens Valley, Mark B. Lacey and his cattlemen, John and Mark Lacey, vice president. “John has held the top level son expanded the operation to include are true leaders in the beef leadership role of our industry as president 15,000 acres of city of Los Angeles lease industry.T The father-son team, based of the former National Cattlemen’s land that increased their carrying capacity in Independence, Calif., raise cattle Association back in the 1990s.” to 1,000 head. The ranch began with and horses. Since 2005 Lacey has been Hereford and cattle. In 1960 “John and Mark Lacey have been faithful cooperating with AHA, Harris Feeding Angus cattle were introduced to replace servants to the U.S. beef industry for Co. and Harris Ranch Beef Co. in a the . decades,” says Craig Huffhines, American research project studying the value of Mark B. Lacey passed away in 1964, heterosis. The objective of leaving John and his wife, Dee, along the project is to conduct a with their children, Mark and Nicki, to John Lacey says he is happy with the research project controlled crossbreeding continue to manage Lacey Livestock. results. “We reaffirmed the system comparing John and son Mark still ranch most value of heterosis and saw progeny sired by Hereford of the original Lacey outfit. They have an improvement in weaning weight, health and feed and Angus bulls under divested themselves of all federal lands conversion,” he says. “We commercial conditions, and have added 40,000 acres more to believe the project was done emphasizing economic the Owens Valley Ranches. Altogether, in a real-world commercial setting and others should differences at the ranch, Lacey Livestock is 60,000 acres with experience the same results.” feedlot and packing plant. approximately 2,000 cows. Today the Lacey family ranch is a cow-calf and stocker operation. They also raise Quarter Horses, and in 2003 Lacey Livestock earned the title of American Quarter Horse Association Remuda of the Year. The Lacey family owned several ranches in San Luis Obispo County that they sold in 2000 to purchase the historic Dressler Ranch in Bridgeport, Calif. This ranch has 7,000 acres and annually is home to 8,000 steers. Lacey Livestock purchased this ranch with David Wood under the Centennial Livestock partnership. The partners completed an easement with the American Land Conservancy and In early December the Lacey calves were shipped from the backgrounding lot in Smith Valley, the California Rangeland Trust. This Nev., to the feedlot in Coalinga, Calif. Mark Lacey says their 2008 calf crop had one of their highest weaning weight averages in recent years. He attributes the increased pounds to crossbreeding as ranch will be preserved for perpetuity. well as improved feed sources. Centennial Livestock also leases 230,000 acres of the historic Tejon Ranch, south of Bakersfield, which is home to about “The baldie females The 7,000 head. Hereford Role in are the biggest pay Heterosis Heterosis study Huffhines says the Harris research project off for us participating is becoming a landmark study defining what genetics can do for the industry in the project. It is allowing when used properly in a real-world commercial setting. us to get some heterosis back Mark says, prior to participating in in our cow herd.” the project, his family had been part of — Mark Lacey the Harris Partnership for Quality (PQ) program since 1997. To participate in the PQ program, producers have to follow “I was pleasantly surprised by the Harris’ guidelines, which include specific ’s feedlot performance,” genetic criteria and prescribed best Mark says. “They were very efficient and management and animal health practices. lived up to their billing. As far as grade, Mark says producers don’t know the I expected them to be lower, but the first value of heterosis in a cow herd until they calf crop was a little lower than expected.” lose it. Then they are really caught because Data on the second group of calves are it takes too long to re-establish especially still being reviewed, but early results show when you keep and develop your own that the Hereford-sired calves narrowed replacement females. the quality-grade gap in 2008. “Heterosis is invaluable,” he says. “From “It is evident they are efficient,” Mark my observations at the ranch, as we lost says about the Hereford-sired calves. heterosis, we were seeing more health “They do it in the feedlot, and in general issues and the weaning weights just held I think the Hereford-sired females are their own. showing the same efficiency on the range.” “It was our opinion that we couldn’t The study is also tracking the continue to just breed to Angus productivity of the females. Females indefinitely and continue to lose heterosis from the first calf crop have weaned their in our herd. Harris agreed to allow the first set of calves and are at the feedlot. trials of other breeds to see if they could The effect of maternal heterosis will be meet the company’s carcass requirements. determined by tracking productivity of Year one results of the heterosis project The Hereford Association stepped up and the replacement heifers that were retained showed a $78 advantage for Hereford-sired was willing to participate. My dad has and identified to a sire. The objective calves compared to Angus-sired calves. The second calf crop has been harvested and the always been a Hereford fan, so it was a is to attempt to determine lifetime third crop is at the feedlot in Coalinga, Calif. perfect fit for us.” productivity and profitability differences To start the project, 400 mature between sire groups. new ground. What we were hoping is Angus-based cows were sorted and “The baldie females are the biggest pay that Harris would find the beef to be a identified with electronic ear tags in the off for us participating in the project,” product that would fit the PQ program. Lacey Livestock program. Cows were Mark says. “It is allowing us to get some Harris has been impressed with the randomly mated to 10 Hereford or 10 heterosis back in our cow herd.” dollar advantage, but trying to figure out Angus bulls, selected based on rigorous Mark says he and his father are anxious how to market the beef is the issue.” genetic parameters (expected progeny to see the improvements in fertility, differences [EPDs]) for overall merit. The longevity and health. “In the cattle The future project is being conducted for a three- business, fertility and longevity is what As the project comes to an end, Mark year period, the typical lifespan of a bull make us money,” Mark says. says the Laceys will continue to use under Western range conditions. To have The female data showed that the the Hereford bulls that remain in more numbers for the project in year two baldie females had a 7% advantage their bull battery. This year he also and three, Lacey Livestock increased the in pregnancy rate in 2008. As more artificially inseminated his black number of cows to 600 and the number of data are compiled and reviewed, the replacement heifers, nearly 250, to Hereford bulls to 16. Laceys expect to see even more value two calving-ease Hereford bulls. Year one results showed a $78 with the Hereford-sired females and “We want to continue to produce advantage for Hereford-sired calves their calves. Mark says the heterosis is more baldie females,” Mark says. “As compared to Angus-sired calves in a real- giving them increased calf survivability range cows go, I think the Hereford world commercial setting. The second calf and a better weaning percentage. female is a superior range cow and crop has been harvested and the third “By and large the project has gone as makes a great mother.” crop is at the feedlot in Coalinga, Calif. expected,” Mark says. “We’re not breaking Building the Baldie Commercial cattlemen can find value utilizing crossbreeding and heterosis.

s fall bull sale and breeding season Beginning in the 1960s, numerous straightbred cattle leave on the table,” approaches, it’s a good time to studies documented crossbreeding he explains. remember the benefits of effectiveness in improving lifetime As explained by Jim Gosey, retired Acrossbreeding and the value of heterosis. productivity by more than 20%. University of Nebraska Extension beef For commercial producers with black cow Crossbreeding can be fairly easy to specialist, heterosis is actually the recovery herds, Hereford bulls are a great option to implement and has the potential for of accumulated inbreeding depression. In add value to the resulting calf crop. significant benefits. just one generation, the offspring exhibit According to Matt Spangler, University “There is a clear economic advantage to the maximum of what was lost through of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension beef crossbreeding,” Spangler says. “Crossbred generations of “pure” breeding within a genetics specialist, “Crossbreeding takes cows can generate $100 per year or more closed gene pool. advantage of heterosis (hybrid vigor) and than their purebred contemporaries. Traits By definition, the gene pool in any breed complementarity. Commercial that are lowly heritable, like reproductive given breed is limited. A certain amount cattlemen must realize that no one breed traits, benefit greatly from heterosis.” of production potential is always sacrificed excels in all areas that affect profitability. Spangler says the advantages in order to gain the uniformity desired Breed combinations can be engineered to of crossbreeding can be thought in a breed, since the most dependable accommodate environmental constraints of as 1) taking advantage of breed way to gain the uniformity was by using and meet marketing objectives.” complementarity, 2) taking advantage inbreeding and linebreeding in the early A crossbred animal is created by mating of non-additive effects (dominance and history of the breed. A breed is essentially two straightbred animals of different epistatic) and 3) capturing heterosis a closed group of cattle, not allowing breeds or a crossbred animal to an animal (hybrid vigor). any infusion of other genetics. It thus of a third breed or two crossbred animals Breed complementarity is the accumulates some inbreeding over time, of different mixes of breeds. Crossbreeding combination of strengths of the breeds in even if it’s not done deliberately. is the opposite of inbreeding. the cross. Spangler adds that the strengths Traditional crossbreeding systems of the Hereford breed can be utilized to Heterosis have been shown to maximize heterosis complement strengths and weaknesses of Spangler says a phenomenon as old and but can be very cumbersome in practice. other breeds in a strategic crossbreeding as recognized as heterosis still seems “Crossbreeding is yet another tool in system. “Heterosis can only be garnered to spark debate and, unfortunately, the tool box of genetic improvement and by crossbreeding, and the use of Hereford confusion. A quick search of the scientific like anything else can be very profitable genetics in a traditionally straightbred literature will provide numerous studies if understood and used correctly,” commercial herd can help capture profit quantifying heterosis for specific traits Spangler explains. for the commercial cattleman that under specific crosses.

Crossbred cows provide the ultimate benefit Commercial cattlemen can experience the greatest amount of benefit As pointed out by Larry Cundiff, retired from the U.S. gained by crossbreeding when using crossbred cows. Even though Animal Research Center (USMARC), Clay Center, Neb., data many stockmen use crossbreeding of straightbred parents to produce from its heterosis studies showed that the breakeven costs of exceptional market calves — calves that gain faster than straightbreds production were reduced about 10% by using crossbred cows. and do well in the feedlot — the crossbred cow is the key to maximum Another study at Montana State University compared the beef production and profitability in a cow-calf operation since hybrid effects of breed and heterosis on heifer pregnancy using vigor in the cow produces phenomenal maternal advantages. purebred and crossbred females of several breeds. Results Research has shown that a crossbred cow is 8% more efficient showed that a higher percent of crossbred heifers calved at 2 than a purebred cow, lives 38% longer and has 25% more lifetime years of age, reaching puberty and becoming pregnant earlier production in pounds of calf weaned. These advantages are partly than . due to crossbreeding having the biggest effect on traits that are not And if a cow is healthier, with a stronger immune system highly heritable (and hence more difficult to improve through selective due to hybrid vigor, she develops better immunity when breeding within a breed), such as fertility, age at puberty and longevity. vaccinated and imparts better colostrum to her calf, which Crossbred cows live longer and are also less apt to be culled for in turn keeps him healthier through the risky days of early being late or open due to increased fertility. Any cow that can calve calfhood. Genetics plays a big role in an animal’s immunity at 2 years of age, never miss a year of calving and stay in the herd and immune response. The crossbred animal is hardier than another year or two beyond average culling age makes her owner a straightbred animal partly just because genes control money. When a producer considers all the benefits of a crossbred the process of recognizing disease agents and inbreeding cow, he can see why animal scientists call this the “only free lunch” in doubles up more of the undesirable immune-response genes. the cattle business. Crossbreeding ensures more genetic diversity and optimal “We would expect that when weaning weight from breeding a herd With that in mating two parental lines (breeds), the of Breed A cows to a group of Breed B mind, traits of The corresponding calf crop would represent bulls. Let 525 lb. be the average weaning low heritability Hereford Role in the average of the two parents,” Spangler weight of the F1 calves, 450 be the (reproductive Heterosis explains. “Heterosis is the unexpected, average weaning weight of the Breed traits) generally and often beneficial, deviation from the A population and 550 be the average benefit from parental average. This deviation arises due weaning weight of the sire’s population. heterosis the to dominance and epistatic effects that The pounds of heterosis would be: most (Table 1). within breed selection tools do not allow pounds of heterosis = 525 – They generally have us to capture.” [(450+550)/2] = 25 lb. a heritability of less than 10% and can Heterosis beneficially influences be improved through the adequate use many traits that are important for The percent of heterosis would be: of crossbreeding systems. End-product increased beef production, including % heterosis = 25/[(450+550)/2] = traits that benefit from heritability in fertility and reproduction, calf .05 or 5% the moderate to high range, on the other survival — due to hardier calves — The amount of heterosis that is hand, benefit less from heterosis. maternal ability, growth rate of young realized for a particular trait is inversely Spangler says there are three main types animals, efficiency and longevity. related to the heritability of the trait. of heterosis: 1) individual, 2) maternal Percent heterosis can be calculated as: This result is logical since traits that are and 3) paternal. He says the offspring of % heterosis = [(crossbred average – lowly heritable have a small additive a F1 female will benefit from maternal straightbred average) ÷ straightbred component (proportionally speaking) heterosis (Table 2). See “Crossbred average] × 100 and crossbreeding takes advantage of cows provide the ultimate benefit,” dominance and epistatic effects. for more about the F1 female. A simple example would be the percent heterosis realized in the average Table 2: Maternal heterosis: Advantage of the crossbred cow1 Table 1: Trait Observed Improvement % Heterosis 1 Individual heterosis: Advantage of the crossbred calf Calving rate 3.5 3.7 Trait Observed Improvement % Heterosis Survival to weaning 0.8 1.5 Calving rate 3.2 4.4 Birth weight 1.6 1.8 Survival to weaning 1.4 1.9 Weaning weight 18.0 3.9 Birth weight 1.7 2.4 Longevity 1.36 16.2 Weaning weight 16.3 3.9 Cow lifetime production: ADG 0.08 2.6 No. calves 0.97 17.0 Yearling weight 29.1 3.8 Cumulative wean wt., lb. 600 25.3 1Adapted from Cundiff and Gregory, 1999 1Adapted from Cundiff and Gregory 1999

Crossbred cows provide the ultimate benefit immune response. Thus, a crossbred cow tends to have more lost most of the heterosis they once had. Due to market pressures for optimum immune system function than a straightbred cow and, beef calves, many stockmen have been using bulls of just one breed, hence, not only stays healthier herself but may also produce and the replacement heifers then become more and more straightbred more protective colostrum. with each generation. When all factors are weighed, the crossbred cow gives Jim Gosey, retired University of Nebraska beef Extension specialist, her owner the most benefit. By contrast, the stockman who says the loss of heterosis in these herds shows up most quickly in is merely trying to take advantage of hybrid vigor in the calves the traits that are least heritable and most associated with inbreeding using straightbred cows and bulls of another breed, gains less depression, namely reproduction (fertility), hardiness and longevity. impact on profitability. Calf weaning weights for crossbred The price paid for the loss of heterosis is cumulative — as a number calves are 5% more (and yearling weights 4% more) than of very small losses add up and amount to a substantial sacrifice in straightbred calves. The research study in the 1990s that came lifetime productivity. up with these figures showed that a straightbred cow with a As one cattle buyer observed a few years ago after a very cold crossbred calf earned an average of $23.37 more than if she and slow spring during which feed supplies were short, most of the had a straightbred calf. But a crossbred cow with a crossbred cows in several herds he worked with were thin, and there was a calf netted $116.88 more than a straightbred cow with a high rate of open cows after the breeding season. Interesting to note, straightbred calf. This potential increase in profit is one reason the cows that bred back the best and on time — in spite of the tough a number of producers went to crossbred cow herds. conditions — were the old crossbred cows that were still in the herds. During the past decade, however, with the increasing The younger females that were a high percentage of straight breeding popularity of “black” cattle and the drive toward more uniformity didn’t do as well. and marbling, many of America’s commercial cow herds have — Heather Smith Thomas …Herefords’ Undisputed Role in the Industry continued from the cover measure, and they are rarely tracked at • The baldie females brought the commercial level, but agriculture $110 more than their straight economist Vern Pierce, from the black counterparts in Circle A’s University of Missouri, states that they production sale. Mailing address: are of great benefit to cattlemen over the P.O. Box 014059, Kansas City, MO 64101 long haul. Depending on the year and depending Physical address: Pierce analyzed the data from the on the input costs, the Harris Ranch 1501 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 842-3757 • (816) 842-6931 fax Circle A research project in which 10 and Circle A studies have both proven www.hereford.org Hereford bulls were that Hereford hybrid Executive vice president: compared to two top The continued vigor generated from Craig Huffhines Angus bulls, all bred the crossing of the [email protected] to more than 600 practice of avoiding two most popular Chief operating officer and commercial Angus cows. maternal breeds in director of breed improvement: profitable genetic Jack Ward One of the Angus bulls America added $50 [email protected] was the top bull in the selection decisions to $80 per head on an Director of communications: breed for registrations annual basis. Angie Stump Denton in 2008. Economically because of hide To make up this (785) 363-7263, [email protected] relevant traits from birth advantage, 500-lb. Director of field management and seedstock marketing: to carcass were measured color is just as straight Angus calves Joe Rickabaugh on every calf, and the would have to bring [email protected] replacement females ludicrous as between $10 to $16 Field Staff: from the project were per hundredweight Western Region – Mark Holt followed through to their charging a tax for more than the baldie Ariz., Calif., Idaho, Nev., Ore., Utah and Wash. P.O. Box 229, Baker City, OR 97814 first pregnancy. Pierce calves at the market. cow flatulence. (541) 403-2832, [email protected] reported that the baldie The reality is that Mountain Region – Ben Brillhart program would return many times producers Colo., Mont., Wyo. and western Canadian provinces $514 dollars per cow over 10 years or see baldie calves bring more than the P.O. Box 181, Musselshell, MT 59059 (406) 947-2222, [email protected] more than $50 per head annually due to straight blacks when sold. North Central Region – Levi Landers production advantages when compared Baldie calves will qualify for every Kan., Minn., Neb., N.D. and S.D. to straight Angus commercial cows. branded beef program in America. The 48302 Springdale Rd., Ord, NE 68862 message is clear, and we will continue (308) 730-1396, [email protected] Circle A research result highlights: to educate our commercial base of these Upper Midwest Region – John Meents advantages. If producers continue to Ill., Ind., Ky., Md., Mich., Ohio, Pa., W.Va. and Wis. • Data predicts Hereford-sired 21555 S.R. 698, Jenera, OH 45841 avoid the Hereford breed because of the females will have a $51 annual (419) 306-7480, [email protected] few red-hided calves they might produce, advantage in profitability. Southwest Region – Adam Cotton then I might just have to borrow a line Ark., La., N.M., Okla. and Texas • Hereford-sired calves were from one of my favorite blue-collar P.O. Box 1015, Sanger, Texas 76266 (940) 390-2656, [email protected] within 3 lb. of the Angus calves comedians, Bill Engvall, when he says, at birth. The Angus bulls used Eastern Region – Andee Marston “Here’s your sign.” Ala., Fla., Ga., Miss., N.C., S.C., Tenn. and Va. were in the top 30% of the The continued practice of avoiding 190 Cherry St., Pikeville, TN 37367 breed for birth weight EPD. profitable genetic selection decisions (931) 335-0303, [email protected] because of hide color is just as ludicrous Central Region – Contact the AHA • The Hereford-sired calves were Iowa and Mo. as charging a tax for cow flatulence. 11.9-lb. heavier at weaning Northeast Region – Contact the AHA than the Angus-sired calves. Conn., Del., D.C., Maine, Mass., N.H., N.J., N.Y., R.I., Laceys continue to use Herefords Vt. and eastern Canadian provinces • Hereford-sired calves had a carcass As a result of the outcome of the three- weight advantage of 13 lb. compared year Harris Ranch project, Mark and P.O. Box 014059 to the Angus-sired calves. John Lacey have began to use Hereford Kansas City, MO 64101 (816) 842-3758 • While feed efficiency was nearly bulls on a full-time basis to develop (816) 842-6931 fax identical when compared to the baldie replacement females for their www.herefordbeef.org mature cow herd. During the last two progeny of Circle A’s two top feed Hereford Verified and efficiency bulls, the Hereford- years, the Laceys have bred nearly all of HerfNet.com specialist: sired calves outgained the Angus- their straight Angus replacement heifers Heidi Tribbett sired calves by .15 lb. per day. to highly proven AI sires with great (970) 580-4503, [email protected] success. Reports from the ranch suggest For information about Herfnet: • The Hereford-sired females that the calves are easy calving and (866) HerfNet or www.herfnet.com had a 7% advantage in vigorous with a high survival rate. For information about Certified Hereford Beef: pregnancy rate compared to (816) 842-3758 or www.herefordbeef.org the Angus-sired females.