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by Alison Jones NALF Director of DNA Processing & Accounting Operations
s 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 LIMITED SEMEN PACKAGES AVAILABLE Morris, MN Office: 320.392.5802 Casey Fanta: 320.288.6128
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
www.wulfcattle.com
Ron Garrison Osceola, MO 417.838.1872
EPD RANK
CD
12 35
BW
2.1 70
WW
87 2
YW
133 2
MK
26 15
CM
6 50
SC
1.6 1
DC
13 55
YG
-0.42 80
CW
18 75
RE
0.82 95
MB
0.01 10
$MI
60 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.
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• JULY 2022
