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CULTIVATING CATTLE their data. “I think we need The Midwest Cattleman · August 19, 2021 · P25
continued from page 19 to put pressure on breed-
ers to be more data-centric,”
as heavily on data as Blew Blew says. “I think we need
would like, the emphasis on more data, the data needs to
fertility is something he will be good, and we need to make
continue forever. “We will get sure that we’re evaluating
to the point where we will and expressing that data in
use EPDs and take the bot- accurate terms.”
tom end of that bell curve Blew continues, “More
off. We will still continue to data is obviously better, and I
breed a lot of heifers moving am surprised by the number
forward. I’m a firm believer of seedstock breeders who
in exposing a lot of heifers, think weaning weights are a
continuing to put more pres- lot of data. I don’t think we’ve
sure on fertility, and select- exhausted our efforts to try
ing the most fertile females.” and get our direct members
As a commercial producer, and registered seedstock pro-
convenience traits are some- ducers to turn in every bit of
thing Blew also puts a lot of data they can, like mature
pressure on. “Looking at the cow weights and hip heights.
EPDs, we would look at calv- I think we have a ways to go, Blew. “If it wasn’t reward- people have to eat, and we
ing ease, heifer pregnancy, and an opportunity to get ing, we wouldn’t do it,” Blew have the capability to take
and stayability, and then I more from the producers ex- says. “I go back to some of the beef, the most nutrient-dense
would start to move into the pected to do that.” stewardship stuff, and what protein, and make it the most
carcass traits. We’re going to Blew also retains owner- we can do for the land. We enjoyable eating experience
continue to put pressure on ship on his calves as part of know they’re not making any too. Knowing that gives me
our quality grades, so mar- a sire test program, which more of it, so if we can put ef- comfort that we will always
bling will be important to us. in addition to submitting fort into that and watch that have something to sell and
Our cattle have to yield also. performance data, requires change, I think it’s really re- there will be a demand for it.”
On the sire’s side, I want a obtaining carcass data. “If warding. On the cow side, it’s
bull that’s in the top 10% for we’re making the kind of cat- the same thing. I really like
marbling, and the top 25% for tle that we think we’re mak- the genetic side — the art
ribeye, when I think about ing or that we want to make, of breeding cattle. That part
end product merit.” then we really need to be re- of it is fun. I also know that
Moving Forward Together taining ownership on them to
Simply gaining more data maximize those premiums,”
is something Blew believes Blew explains. “When we
can really accelerate progress started, my intention was to
for commercial producers, have cattle that would grade
and he also believes this re- 70% choice or better, and be
sponsibility needs to go back yield grade 1 and 2. Today
to seedstock businesses. “The our goal is to be 50% Prime
total herd reporting thing is or better, and still be yield
huge, and I think some peo- grade 1 or 2. We still have
ple don’t understand how some work to do on the yield
big of a deal that is. The fact grades, but we are extreme-
that you get all of the data on ly close to achieving the 50%
every cow is a big thing, be- prime quality grades.”
cause it helps the accuracy of An Industry for the Future
your EPDs,” Blew explains. “I Blew attended college at
can give a vote of confidence Hutchinson Community Col-
to the IGS database. If we lege, where he studied agri-
don’t have a good process or culture and was a part of the
evaluation, then it won’t be livestock judging program.
something we can utilize or He met his wife, Beckie, who
that we trust to utilize.” works full time on the ranch,
Blew continues, “I love the during this time. Blew had
fact that the two breeds I a handful of cows on leased • Animals instinctively open our aps
would want to use are on the land, and coming back to the • Our aps will not freeze like ball closures do
same database. I think that’s family business and expand- • We have less water contamination from animal wastes
beneficial. I also think there ing with his brother sim- • Ten Models - For a few animals or for the largest feedyards
are benefits to IGS in just the ply made sense. Their three
sheer amount of data.” children, Cole, Caylee, and
While data reporting from Claire, are all involved with
commercial producers is the ranch, and Blew’s parents
something Blew encourages, still serve as supporters and Zeitlow Distributing - McPherson, KS • 800-364-1605 • Boonville, MO • 800-530-5158
he also explains that seed- mentors for the operation. SoMo Agri Supply - Springfield, MO • 800-725-1880
stock businesses have all The benefits of being Central Missouri Feed & Supply - 2707 W Rt F • Clark, MO • 573-881-1798
of the tools to do so at their in the cattle business far OR SEE AN MFA DEALER threebarl@hotmail.com
fingertips, leaving very little outweigh the challenges for
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