What's the problem? That we now know what's under the skin and the "eye" of the breeder isn't the "word of God" anymore?
Are you kidding? If you are so sure that we know what's under the hide of these cattle why did the AAA go from using one ultrasound lab to now 4? To many inconsistencies, human error has been questioned all along, with the labs expanding it's only proven what's thought to be correct.
Studies showed from Summitcrest I believe that scan data interpreted from the different labs and the kill data varied greatly.
The CUP lab in IOWA was found to be the weak link and their interpretation was proven inconsistent compared to the kill data, while the data from the other labs was in line with the actual kill data.
They already have. IMO, Continental cattle just aren't necessary any more. I think many breeders of Continental cattle feel the same way. Look at how they've moderated the size of their breeds and turned them black.
If this is the case how come at Louisville last year in front of 800 Angus fans and breeder did the Guest speaker from a packing house tell the crowd that it no longer was looking for straight Angus cattle but instead wanted to have 3/4 Angus and 1/4 Continental? He further stated that there simply isn't enough yield in the average Angus animal by itself we need to have the continental influence to enhance the yield.
That doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out as how can lots of these puds actually have enough meat on them to be profitable.
If you think we are in the drivers seat, you better check your map pal as there are a host of breeds and breeders looking to knock us of the pile.
They aren't what YOU think they're supposed to be. I'm tickled to death at the variety of Angus genetics available to me. An Angus cow with a milk EPD of 30 doesn't work well here. But she may do fine in east Texas or VA. I don't have a clue how many breeders are selling semen on their bulls. I have been disappointed in the ABS catalog the last few years. They are promoting many young, unproven bulls and pushing calving ease and marbling. But there are other sources for semen.
While you are correct that I don't agree with a host of the Angus genetics available today. But guess what...........I have been out there to seem them...myself! I don't need a breed magazine getting me fired up about what I should be breeding to. In fact, more times than not the AJ gives me a reference point on what I shouldn't be breeding with.
What variety of Angus genetics are you talking about? In every stud book they are full of the same combinations of genetics, just flipped around. This has nothing to do with breeders selling semen on their bulls privately. It has nothing to do with a +30 milk EPD, use cattle that will fit your area, that isn't a secret. I do agree with you that the quest for calving ease and marbling has gotten a little silly. That's why there are very few "power" bulls around in the breed. Or at least readily available.!
Then you'll be reassured to read this: In your little world, I fall into the "multiplier" section. I know a lot of other Angus breeders who say the same thing. I'm not in business to produce the next great Angus bull. I'm not going to Denver. I'm in business to produce good bulls that will work for commercial cattlemen. I can do that by using genetics created by people you probably consider "breeders." I make some money, the "breeders" make some money, the commercial cattleman has good Angus bulls available to them at reasonable prices, and consumers get a tender marbled piece of beef. I believe that's one of the reasons for Angus popularity. You can buy sons of some of the best bulls in the breed at very reasonable prices. I don't think that happens in other breeds, at least not the quantity.
I am not sure what you mean by my little world, but whatever.
I am not saying breeders are out to raise the great ones or win Denver. In fact many "breeders" never make it to Denver with cattle and don't have to sell bulls at a high value. IMHO I want to offer genetics that have my influence on them that are as good as any. Doesn't mean I offer them in volume now. But to simply pick up a catalogue and breed to whatever is popular seems like an injustice to the term purebred breeder.
I consider it a privelige to raise PB Angus cattle and want to do the best I can. The best that I can offer has little to do with the hottest bull alive. Just think about some of the landmark bulls of the last years and who produced them. It wasn't Mountain Meadows, they were hardly in it long enough to register cattle with their prefix. The cattle that I consider to be very influential over the last number of years have stayed the course and have actually become more popular over time. Genetics shouldn't be in or out of style, I am certain you like the same cows you did 15 or 20 years ago. I know I do.
I believe breeders have that knack of understanding cattle, they maybe don't even know what they are doing but it happens. A breeder understands cattle, makes neccesary adjustments to fit his vision. Raising cattle is not very difficult, but keeping cattle around that aren't worthy doesn't do anyone any justice and certainly not the purebred world.
This is exactly that, my opinion. None of my or your comments have to be deemed right by anyone as it is our belief.
This isn't a pissing contest, we are to old for that and why even bother.
I have always wondered what's the point of raising genetics that don't have any personal influence. Not my perogative to worry about and I may be wrong for that. I just think if people got off the tracks some days they might be able to bring their level of reward to a higher level. Maybe I am wrong.
