Business : Advanced Bull Selection Clinic to Cover Genomics, $Values, and Synchronization

With bull sale season upon us, Iowa State University (ISU) beef extension staff will be prepping producers for the gamut of information headed their way in A.I. books and sale catalogs. Two meetings have been planned for producers wanting to learn more about genomic-enhanced EPDs, how to implement $Value Indexes into selection methods, and estrus synchronization program options.

Two of the newest Extension personnel will help host the events. ISU Extension Cow-Calf Specialist Patrick Gunn will cover how to capture the benefits of elite genetics through synchronized breeding.

“Results from our fall listening sessions and heifer development series showed a consistent desire to know more about genetics, and these meetings are a direct response to that need,” Gunn said.

Patrick Wall, southeast Iowa beef program specialist, will discuss genomic-enhanced EPDs, $Value Indexes, and how to apply them to selection.

“Working for a breed association, I partnered with USDA to develop three $Value Indexes,” Wall said. “Genomic-enhanced or not, producers need to understand what an EPD or Index tells them, and what it doesn’t.”

These clinics should help a producer gain more confidence when selecting sires or buying bulls to fit their operations’ goals. Bull buying scenarios will be used to close the meetings, giving attendees the chance to apply what they’ve learned.

The first meeting is scheduled for February 27 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City. Admission is free and dinner will be provided. The second event will be at the McNay Research Farm near Chariton on March 6 at 7 p.m. Light refreshments provided and there’s no charge to attend.

For additional information on either meeting, please contact Patrick Wall at 515-450-7665 patwall@iastate.edu, Denise Schwab at 319-721-9624 dschwab@iastate.edu, or Joe Sellers at 641-203-1270sellers@iastate.edu, or visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.