Agricultural News
Hereford Association Overhauls Breed's Genetic Evaluation System, Leverages Its Value Programs
Wed, 20 Feb 2019 17:01:38 CST
During a media briefing at the recent 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show in New Orleans, Shane Bedwell, American Hereford Association chief operating officer and director of breed improvement, remarked on the association's recent work in advancing the genetic merit of the breed, in recognition of the need for high-quality cattle in the marketplace. One of the high notes of his update was AHA's rollout of its new and improved genetic evaluation program which, in a later conversation with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director Carson Horn, Bedwell said directly incorporates a single-step marker effects model utilizing BOLT technology, which simultaneously analyzes pedigrees, phenotypes and genotypes and allows for a fully automated, weekly genetic evaluation.
"We've been very committed to our genetic evaluation and providing the commercial industry with the most relevant information on seedstock animals within the Hereford population," Bedwell said. "Our breeders are now getting the most up-to-date information to help them make the most informed decisions possible."
In addition, Bedwell says the AHA is working diligently to leverage the most value and boost producers' marketing power through the association's various commercial oriented programs like the Hereford Advantage, Premium Red Baldy and Maternal Advantage programs.
"We take a lot of pride in staying progressive at Hereford. Our breeders have done a great job at raising the bar when it comes to putting out an excellent product into the commercial market," he said. "We see it as our obligation as an association to provide the most relevant tools in the industry. We will stay on that same track and this is just a beginning of several new innovative things that we will continue to roll out at Hereford."
Listen to Bedwell and Horn discuss the AHA's recent work in breed improvement further, with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, on today's Beef Buzz - brought to you by the American Angus Association. America's breed.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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