Genetics are critical in a herd, along with other factors such as environment and nutrition. Making genetic decisions, such as determining which bulls to breed to the females, which heifers to keep as replacements, and which cows to cull are all genetic decisions that will impact the overall health and quality of your herd.

This past fall I got to work with a producer in the county via farm visits and phone calls to help them navigate how to improve their herd through looking at different expected progeny differences (EPDs) of different bulls. These numbers help evaluate expected traits such as birth weight, weaning weight, milk, etc. from the calves that the bull sires. I helped this producer evaluate their goals and management of their herd and what they should look for in selecting a bull.

This producer plans to purchase a bull this spring, for the 2025 spring breeding season. The effects of their genetic management decisions will not be able to be recorded until 2026. However, this producer has voiced that they would like to continue their education on genetics through extension programs, such as the Master Cattlemen program and Beef Conference.