Page 17 - MWC 10-26-2023s

cass. Some want growth. We “A lot of people don't real- The Midwest Cattleman · October 26, 2023 · P17
focus on calving ease, so we ize that if they use red bulls
have a lot come to purchase on black cows, the calves will
bulls for use on first-calf heif- be black,” Brett said. “Some
ers. We have some that want might be solid red, depending
good phenotypic bulls that on the cows genetics, but, if
can cover ground and cover cows are homozygous black,
cows.” the calves will be black. I am
Regardless of the slant amazed at how many people
that fits a customer's bent, don't understand color genet-
the overarching goal is to ics.”
sell bulls that hold up well. When they do understand,
“Bulls that break down or they often select Naylor
have bad feet only last one or Shorthorn's solid red bulls.
two breeding seasons,” said According to Brett, more and
Brett. “That gets expensive more people don't care about
for bull buyers.” hide color like they used to.
One of Naylor's local cus- “Fewer people now say they
tomers has saved on sire ex- just need black,” he said.
penses for a good, long while. “Now they say that they just
“She is still using a want the best bull, regard-
13-year-old bull she bought less of breed or color.”
from my parents years ago!” If a customer is interest-
Brett said. “People have got- ed in a colorful calf crop, the
ten used to our bulls doing a Naylors can meet that ex- In a divide and conquer been incorporating more
good job, exhibiting longevi- pectation too. “In the show operation there remains a production genetics into the
ty, and trusting that we pick world, we would use white balance of labor, a balance of herd. Our best cattle now
the right bull for their herd's Shorthorns to get blue roans,” preferences, and a keen focus have been a blend. Show ge-
needs.” Brett said. “Even with com- on balanced genetics. netics have great phenotype.
More and more, the Nay- mercial breeders, there is a “Many years ago,” Brett Then, when you bring in a
lor family is bringing to demand for some blue roan said, “I showed quite a bit. production bull, you can get
light many of the Shorthorn commercial females. Many Those show cattle were real- calving ease and good growth.
breed's benefits, while edu- will say they had a blue roan ly sound, easy fleshing, and We see a blend like that in a
cating customers about mis- once and she was their best thicker made 25 years ago. In continued on page 20
conceptions. cow.” the past 15 or so years, we've

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