Page 20 - MWC 2-24-2022s

Building Value with Hereford The Midwest Cattleman · February 24, 2022 · P20

Hereford Association celebrates a year of growth,

high demand for Hereford genetics

A shared sense of opti- international sales. Genet-
mism echoed in the halls at ic trend lines also continued
the last American Hereford their march forward, with a
Association (AHA) annu- reported 43% increase in the
al meeting Kansas City: It’s Baldy Maternal Index (BMI) In 2021, the breed experienced notable growth and increased use of Hereford genetics
an exciting time to be in the and a 55% increase in the in the commercial cattle industry.
Hereford business. In 2021, Brahman Influence Index bread and butter of any cow Perhaps the most value
the breed experienced nota- (BII) during the course of the herd,” Bedwell says. “We re- came from the hallway con-
ble growth and increased use past six years. ally think we have an advan- versations and comradery
of Hereford genetics in the The Annual meeting of- tage in terms of fertility, the within the Hereford fami-
commercial cattle industry. fered an opportunity to disposition advantage that ly. “The Annual Meeting is
“The Hereford breed and showcase the increased av- Hereford brings to the table, a celebration with members
demand for Hereford genet- erages of the breed’s profit and continued advantages in each and every year here in
ics is growing at an exciting indices and continued im- efficiency, among others.” Kansas City. This is a great
pace,” says Jack Ward, AHA provement of traits import- A hallmark of the Annual tie to consider the advance-
executive vice president. ant to commercial producers. Meeting is the educational ments made and to celebrate
“We’re seeing expanded in- Shane Bedwell, AHA chief forum. This year, attendees the victories of the year with
terest for Hereford genet- operating officer and director heard from an impressive members,” Bedwell says. “It’s
ics in the commercial sector of breed improvement says lineup of guest speakers a big time in our breed right
through an increase in aver- AHA looks to continue the who shared inspirational now.”
age sale prices and bull num- momentum in genetic im- messages about grit and the Bob Harrell of Baker City,
bers.” provement. abundance mind-set, the lat- Oregon, was among attend-
AHA reports U.S. Here- “As an Association we’re est on promising marketing ees. Despite challenges like
ford semen sales increased going to continue to invest in avenues, industry lobbying severe drought in portions of
by 9% in fiscal year 2021, research that validates ma- efforts in Washington, D.C.,
with growth in domestic and ternal heterosis. That is the and herd health. continued on page 27

Missouri’s Largest Hereford Breeder Breeder
Missouri’s Largest Hereford

Genetics Selected for:
Genetics Selected for:
• • Fescue Tolerance Fescue Tolerance
• • Balanced TraitsBalanced Traits
• • Calving EaseCalving Ease
• • FertilityFertility
• • Performance Performance
• • CarcassCarcass

Midwest’s Top Maternal Programwest’s Top Maternal Program
Mid

Over 40 Years ears
Over 40 Y
of Continuously
of Continuously
Breeding eeding
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Quality Performance ance
Quality Perform
Polled Her
Polled Herefordsefords
31st
31st
Annual Sale
Annual Sale
Oct. 1
Oct. 1
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Your Brand of Herefordour Brand of Hereford Darr Ag Centerg Center
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Darr A
L L JOURNAGAN RANCHGAN RANCH MO
Springfield,
Springfield,
JR
JR
JOURNA
MO
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Marty Lueck, manager • 417-948-2669 or 417-838-1482arty Lueck, manager • 417-948-2669 or 417-838-1482
M
Mountain Grove, MO 65711 • mvlueck@centurytel.net • JournaganRanch.comountain Grove, MO 65711 • mvlueck@centurytel.net • JournaganRanch.com