ACA Board of Directors Update

ACA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ryan Dunklau – President

Northwest Region • Nebraska • Term expires 2023 402.369.2025 • dunkcattleco@gmail.com

Justin Tracy – Vice President

At Large Director • Nebraska • Term expires 2023 308.962.4255 • justin@tracycattle.com

Segayle Foster – Secretary

Southwest Region • Texas • Term expires 2022 806.445.2496 • segaylef@yahoo.com

Andy Higgins, Treasurer

Southeast Region • Tennessee • Term expires 2023 615.330.6446 • higg1andy@aol.com

Neal Branscum

Northeast Region • Kentucky • Term expires 2024 606.872.5395 • nealbrascum@hotmail.com

Ken Culp, III, Ph.D

At Large Director • Kentucky • Term expires 2022 859.227.7506 • ken.culp@uky.edu

Derek Evans

At Large • Kentucky • Term expires 2022 217.218.0242 • derek@summitflooring.us

Jeff Miller

At Large • Indiana • Term expires 2024 765.414.4547 • jeffmillershowcattle@yahoo.com

Colton Prescott

At Large • Indiana • Term expires 2024 260.729.2713 • crprescott92@yahoo.com

Keith Schrick

At Large • Texas • Term expires 2023 817.366.64359 • wine@schricksliquors.com

Nate Tice

At Large • Iowa • Term expires 2024 717.926.0874 • tice152@gmail.com

Tyler Winegardner

At Large • Ohio • Term expires 2022 419.236.4375 • tylerwinegardner@icloud.com

Stayability of the Chianina Influence

by Justin Tracy, Vice-President & At Large Director

One of my buddies recently told a friend, who had bought a young set of Chiangus cows, “I hope you like ‘em, because you’re gonna have ‘em forever.” And he’s right! The stayability of the Chianina breed is one of the most positive traits we can offer our customers.

I, for one, know my friend made a wise investment in his new Chiangus herd, because continually investing in the development of females is not cost effective for any operation. This is why the stayability of Chianina Influence cattle is a highly profitable trait. Simply put, cows that stay in the herd longer make more money. Females that are still in the herd at 6 years of age are believed to have recouped the costs of their development and are generating income.

The industry’s demand for higher growth rates and higher milk production has made re-breeding more difficult for many types of cattle. But, the Chi-Influence can help many producers overcome these issues.

Fertility is the main factor used when determining a cow’s stayability. Obviously, if she breeds in the desired calving range, carries a calf every year, and raises a heavy calf, she is a valuable producer. But there are many factors to consider in a cow’s ability to stay in the herd for an extended period of time. Structure, foot quality, udder quality, teat size, docility and body condition score all factor into the longevity of a cow and how well she produces. These are all attributes of the Chianina Influence that we, as producers, know and love.

Keeping breeding bulls and replacement females out of cows that have remained in the herd for many years is a good way to increase the stayability within your own herd, and add market value for your customer. Do the math on your cow families and discover what percent of cows make it to 6 years, 10 years or 15 years of age, as valuable producers. Then check that against the industry average. Chances are, you’ll find you are sitting on a goldmine in terms of marketability when it comes to fertility and stayability.

When evaluating my own herd, I see the stark difference between the few 10-12 year old Non-Chi-Influenced cows that still remain, that are at the end of their production capabilities, and the many 10-12 year old Chianina cows that appear to be in the prime of life, and are still highly productive. The difference in value is undeniable.

So, as we all get ready to sell our bulls this spring, consider offering some stayability data to your potential buyers to give them an idea of the fertility and longevity the Chianina breed has to offer so they, too, can take advantage of the highly productive stayability of the Chianina Influence.