Beef Genomics Is Providing Speedy Accuracy In Genetic Selection For Cattle Producers

Feb 17, 2016

With the rapidly developing world of genomics in beef cattle breeding- improvements in the information that a cattle producer can see about their cattle is amazing. That's the takeaway from a conversation that Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays had with Ryan Ruppert of Neogen at the recent Cattle Industry Convention in San Diego. Ruppert says that when he was in school not that many years ago- genomics was not even a word.

The world of genomics as it relates to the Beef Cattle business really began in 2007, when the bovine genome sequence of the Hereford Beef Cow Dominette was finished. Ruppert says that now "genomics is a major part of cattle producers everyday life- and that if you havn't been doing anything with genomics- you will be."

Ruppert says in today's Beef Buzz that this is all about the accuracy on the production information a cattle producer can learn about their animals at an earlier age than ever before. It results in "the kind of accuracy of data that it used to take years to get on your cattle."

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Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.