I have spent over an hour attempting to phrase my thoughts to the responses to this thread in such a manner that it would not exacerbate into another three page reply and cause angst to those who STILL don't seem to be able to understand the compilation of given statistics (EPD's, Phenotype con-FIRM-ations, $Profit totals ) in the serious business of Beef Cattle Management protocols.
The conclusions at which I have arrived have convinced me that to expound upon PROVEN FACTS to any further degree than what has already been attempted is a waste of my time, effort and energies. A very wise man once said "There are none so deaf or none so blind as those who listen - but DO NOT HEAR, or look - but DO NOT SEE!" Those words are never more profound than that which is displayed by SOME members of this Forum in the conversations involving Beef Bull Seedstock Selections.
By concentrating on PHENOTYPE only, we practice "Single Trait" selection, which is an exercise in futility! The obvious success of the Ohlde Breeding Program is proof in itself that a balanced selection protocol is the financially accepted method of thinking and performing. Those who are intelligent enough to "See" the light, and "Hear" the results will benefit. Those who turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to facts are the one's who will find themselves wondering how the world passed them by!
The EPD's of OCC Anchor 771A perhaps will not entice breeder's to think the bottom line is "Profit Oriented" at first blush. And therin lies the problem - in most cases. "First Blush" is similar to "Single Trait Selection", in that it precludes extensive thinking (or - perhaps ANY thinking) and encourages impetuosity and rashness, instead of following through with a goal in mind - that of PROFIT - after ALL factors are taken into consideration.
It is a matter of stating the obvious to mention that successful breeders such as Gardner, Pharro, Three Trees, Express Ranches, Stevenson, Sandpoint, Akers Farm, and too many others to mention have just, in recent years, moved to ameliorate their breeding program to include the Genetics that incorporate those commensurable with those of OCC Anchor 771A. Coincidence?? Accidental?? I don't THINK so!
Deliberate?? You can bet the Farm on it!! But - - what do they know?
DON'T GET ME STARTED!
DOC HARRIS