Complimentarity
Angus and Simmental both have large numbers of cattle in their breeds. They both have strong, progressive breed organizations that are able to identify superior genetics. We recognize and utilize those genetics.
Genetic Evaluations
We recognize and utilize one of the largest, most powerful genetic evaluations in the world, the International Cattle Evaluation produced by International Genetic Solutions.
Economic Selection Indices
We recognize and utilize the value of economic selection indexes such as the American Simmental Association All Purpose Index and Terminal Index and the American Angus Association’s $Beef Index.
Heterosis
We recognize and utilize the substantial value of heterosis with regards to both maternal traits, such as fertility and longevity, and terminal traits, such as growth and vigor.
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Development Methodology
We recognize that if less emphasis is put on visual appraisal of bulls at the time of sale, i.e. fat bulls, bulls can be grown out to increase performance, fertility and longevity. We would prefer to grow the bulls out at our facilities until they are at least 15 months of age using development methodology that maximizes fertility and longevity. If a customer wants a bull before that time, we make every effort to make sure that the bull is developed properly and not used before he is 15 months old.
Genetic Evaluations
We recognize and utilize one of the largest, most powerful genetic evaluations in the w
orld, the International Cattle Evaluation produced by International Genetic Solutions. We harness the power of that evaluation through the utilization of EPDs and economic selection indexes. Visual appraisal is applied in a disciplined, strategic and applicable manner. Indicator traits (traits that are used to predict profit-focused traits or economically relevant traits) such as udder appraisal, foot and leg appraisal, etc. are evaluated in an effective manner through statistical analysis and proper genetic evaluation methodologies. Other economically important traits are hard if not impossible to visually appraise such as fertile longevity, marbling, etc. Selection pressure is often wasted focusing on improper visual appraisal, stunting genetic improvement. To measure these traits we use the proper tools such as actual phenotypes (carcass data, birth weights, weaning weight), DNA, etc.
Complimentarity
We recognize and utilize breed complementarity of Angus and Simmental. Angus and Simmental both have large numbers of cattle in their breeds. Therefore, there are more cattle that are outliers, or well above the breed average. They both have strong, progressive breed organizations that are able to identify superior genetics. We recognize and utilize those genetics.
Economic Selection Indices
We recognize and utilize one of the largest, most powerful genetic evaluations in the world, the International Cattle Evaluation produced by International Genetic Solutions. We harness the power of that evaluation through the utilization of EPDs and economic selection indexes. Visual appraisal is applied in a disciplined, strategic and applicable manner. Indicator traits (traits that are used to predict profit-focused traits or economically relevant traits)
such as udder appraisal, foot and leg appraisal, etc. are evaluated in an effective manner through statistical analysis and proper genetic evaluation methodologies. Other economically important traits are hard if not impossible to visually appraise such as fertile longevity, marbling, etc. Selection pressure is often wasted focusing on improper visual appraisal, stunting genetic improvement. To measure these traits we use the proper tools such as actual phenotypes (carcass data, birth weights, weaning weight), DNA, etc.
Heterosis
We recognize and utilize the substantial value of heterosis with regards to both maternal traits, such as fertility and longevity, and terminal traits, such as growth and vigor.
