By Andi Anderson
Selecting the right bull is one of the most critical decisions for beef producers, as it directly affects herd performance, calf value, and long-term profitability.
Understanding which traits to prioritize, and to what degree, can determine the success of breeding programs and market returns.
The eBEEF.org team, a group of beef cattle geneticists from across the U.S., is conducting a nationwide survey to better understand how producers currently select their bulls.
The results will be used to develop educational materials and tools that help producers make more informed, profit-driven breeding decisions.
Producers are asked to complete a 10-minute online survey, designed to gather insight into current selection strategies. This data will then be compared with results from iGENDEC, a software program that recommends optimal trait emphasis for specific management systems.
Bull selection often balances many factors, such as whether calves will be sold early or finished for beef, whether heifers will be retained, and the cow herd’s nutritional level.
Sometimes producers give too much weight to one trait, such as calving ease, potentially reducing sale weights and overall income. The goal of this project is to help strike a better balance in decision-making.
To encourage participation, respondents will be entered in a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards, provided by the Beef Improvement Federation. In addition, participants who share their email will receive exclusive access to a webinar discussing the survey results and updated bull selection strategies.
The UK Beef Extension Team is a key partner in this effort and encourages strong participation from Kentucky and surrounding states. The more responses collected, the more accurate and valuable the findings will be for local and national producers alike.
Help shape the future of profitable bull selection by participating in the survey today.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steveoehlenschlager
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Rural Lifestyle