The advent of Estimated Progeny Differences (EPDs) had an unexpected effect: it leveled the playing field. Data let producers – new and established, small and large – compete on equal terms. For the first time, cattle could be compared across herds and environments.
What could go wrong? Commercial cattlemen could now shop the field, pick bulls from any breeder anywhere, and were told to trust the science.
The unintended consequences, however, were severe. Unadapted cattle moved north to south and west to east. Unprofessional seedstock producers sold bulls on EPDs alone – with no context on breeding objectives, data integrity, or climate.
This continues today. Stop “playing the field” – and buy into a program. How cattle are selected, graded, managed, and marketed matters more than the EPDs.
Find a seedstock producer whose objectives, resources, and environment match yours. Insist on transparency and a real relationship with your bull supplier.
Pharo Cattle Company® works hard to help family farms and ranches to flourish. They will supply you with the data you need to meet your long-term goals and objectives.
Quote Worth Re-Quoting
“Before anything great is achieved, your comfort zone must be disturbed.” ~ Ray Lewis
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