by Alison Jones NALF Director of DNA Processing & Accounting Operations
As I write this , it ’ s hard to believe we are almost halfway done with 2022 . With historically high corn , diesel , and fertilizer prices , as well as volatile weather throughout the country , it is a particularly challenging time in the cattle industry . Global political concerns , coupled with high inflation , have left many of us wondering what the future will hold and how to determine the best course forward for our families and operations .
By now , hopefully most of you are wrapping up planting and breeding . Before you know it , harvest and weaning will be upon us . This spring marked the completion of my 10th year with NALF , and I can honestly say I have never been more excited for the future of this breed than I am right now .
The National Junior Limousin Show and Congress in Amarillo is here , and with it comes the introduction of a new show : the Neogen Ultimate Show . This is an incredible opportunity not only for exhibitors to obtain genomically-enhanced EPDs on their animals at no cost , but also to relay the importance of genotype alongside phenotype . We are hoping this will serve as an educational event for all participants and spectators . The judge will rank these animals based 50 % on genotype and 50 % on phenotype .
The first question you may ask : Why genomically test cattle in the first place ? When DNA information is available on an animal through genomic testing , the accuracy of EPDs is improved . Genomic testing , combined with pedigree , performance and progeny data will help provide the best estimate of an animal ’ s genetic merit as a parent . With increased costs in today ’ s market , genomics can provide a quicker way to add information about the genetic potential of an animal . For example , you have a newly weaned bull calf that shows potential based on his pedigree and conformation . Genomically enhancing his EPDs would be the same as adding over 25 calving records , 22 birth weights , and over 25 weaning and yearling weights on his progeny . We would even have equivalents of stayability records on 15 of his daughters , all before he has ever bred a cow . Prior to genomic DNA technology , we did not have a way to measure the productivity of a bull until his first calf crop was weaned . Now , with testing , combined with reporting phenotypic data , we can potentially save high input
WULFS HAT TRICK 7183H
Morris , MN Office : 320.392.5802 Casey Fanta : 320.288.6128 www . wulfcattle . com
Ron Garrison Osceola , MO 417.838.1872
EPD RANK
LIMITED SEMEN PACKAGES AVAILABLE
PUREBRED ( 100 / 88.9 ) HOMO POLLED ( T ) 4 / 2 / 2020 • NPM2289534 S : WULF COBRA D : WULFS ELIZA 7183E MGS : HUNT CREDENTIALS 37C ET ACT . BW : 90 • ADJ . WW : 764 ADJ . YW : 1423 • ADJ . SC : 40.9 ADJ . REA : 16.18 • ADJ . IMF : 1.93
CD |
BW |
WW |
YW |
MK |
CM |
SC |
DC |
YG |
CW |
RE |
MB |
$ MI |
12 |
2.1 |
87 |
133 |
26 |
6 |
1.6 |
13 |
-0.42 |
18 |
0.82 |
0.01 |
60 |
35 |
70 |
2 |
2 |
15 |
50 |
1 |
55 |
80 |
75 |
95 |
10 |
3 |
Wulfs Hat Trick 7183H was the Top-Selling Lot at the Wulf Cattle Production Sale at $ 66,000 . He combines a notable pedigree , a balanced EPD profile and eye-catching phenotype . His impressive 205-day-weight combines with top EPDs for WW . YW , TM , SC , MB and $ MI . He is a paternal brother to Wulfs Genius 5293G , the top-selling lot in the 2020 Wulf Sale . Phenotypically , Hat Trick is heavy structured and level topped with extra muscle expression and one of the largest scrotal measurements Wulf ’ s have ever recorded on a purebred bull ! When set into motion , he is free moving off both ends of his skeleton and sets down on a large foot . Don ’ t miss this opportunity to invest in this remarkable individual .
64 • JULY 2022