Genetics are the point of the arrow when it comes to the livestock industry. Although genetics are of equal importance to disciplines such as herd management, nutrition, animal health, marketing, forages, record keeping, and human resources, genetics remain the prime mover.
As the FIRST link in the value chain, with the consumer being the final link, genetics determine how the rest of the value chain flourishes or fails. It is the duty of the seedstock producer to act as a scientist with his or her ranch or farm being their laboratory.
There is an abundance of selection tools available to cattle breeders. These tools vary from traditional to cutting edge and are all used to differing degrees within the beef industry. Pedigrees, EPDs, Genomics, Raw Data, In-Herd Indexes, Phenotype, AI, IVF, and ET are examples of these TOOLS.
In his book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis uses an illustration of Santa Claus meeting up with three children once they discover the magical kingdom of Narnia. Santa gives each one of the children a gift to assist them in staying safe while they’re in Narnia.
Lucy was given a dagger and a special cordial that can heal the sick; Susan was given a bow and arrows and a special horn that will always bring help when blown; and Peter was given a sword. As Santa’s sleigh departs, he looks back at the children and says, “Remember children, these gifts are TOOLS, not TOYS!”
Kit Pharo and the PCC® Cooperative Producers are curious, innovative, intelligent, and honest. This, combined with their strong desire to help other ranchers put more fun and profit into their business, allows them to provide a truly profit-driven genetic product for the international beef industry to benefit from.
Quote Worth Re-Quoting
“Wise men talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.” ~ Plato
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