As of right now, our goal is to increase the consistency of quality produced in our herd. More better animals. Consistency is tough to find in the longhorn breed, but I think we (the industry, as well as Sand Dollar Ranch). One prime example of consistency issues is the following bull:
"When its good, its real good. When its bad, its real bad" That was the way he went, as far as production goes. He produced some fantastic animals, when the genetics hit right. But when they didn't, the culls where bad. Poor gainers, gangly looking, just plain ugly. Some had great horns, some not much at all. And that was passed on to his offspring. Even the best of his offspring have had their bouts with inconsistency. I would say that outside of the standard culling reasons for cattle already in production (i.e. age, fertility, health, etc..) consistency would be one of our main culling points is consistency. If we look at our records and realize that a cow hasn't produced a worthwhile calf in a while, there is a good chance she gets culled. She might raise a "nice, healthy" calf each year, but if that "nice, healthy" calf is at the bottom end each year, with the bulls we have, that is a direct result of the dam.
We feel we have some of, if not the, top bulls in the industry for what we are trying to do. Our two senior herdsires both have the phenotype that allowed them to be extremely successful on the show circuit. And since then they have gone on to produce extremely well. I think they compliment each other very well and should work well on each other's daughters. Although they are both very correct phenotypically and have produced very well, they do have different styles. NP Redeemer's Redemption has more frame, length and extension. I call him our "finesse" bull. Though he does not lack, by any means in muscle or performance. RCR Scorpion's Stinger is more moderate, wider-topped, and I call him our "power" bull. Again, he does exhibit some
finesse.
We are trying to increase the structural correctness, increase performance (weight gain, reproduction, etc.. not horn), while maintaining the breeds longevity, hardiness, disease resistance, maternal abilities, and ease of calving. Specifically, in regards to phenotype, the number 1 thing we strive for is structural correctness, followed closely by balance. Structural correctness is a very broad topic that covers many parts of the animal, but it is of the most importance and cannot be sacrificed. Balance is something that I personally feel is one of the biggest downfalls of the longhorn breed. Too many funnel butts. Even if that is a "
characteristic" of the breed, that doesn't mean it is good. Finding quality animals is important, but even more important is finding quality animals that produce quality animals. One of our ads in the past was headlined "Producing Producers". Having World Champion animals is nice, we love it, however raising World Champions that produce World Champions is even better. The most rewarding is seeing other producers thrive by using our genetics.
If we do not think an animal can help our herd, or someone elses, it goes across the scales. Many of our "culls" can still help other herds in the industry. Not saying we are better than everyone else, but other people have different goals, and can utilize different "types" of animals. We do have some animals that would be better off "down the road" but one thing I have to contend with is that the ranch I work for is my boss' hobby. So we do have some animals that will live out their lives on the ranch. No matter their production value, he has become attached to them b/c they were in the group of first animals he bought and produced with. They are what got him started.
This heifer, for example, she came from a World Champion female and had a great phenotype as a calf. As she got older she didn't necessarily "fall apart" she just ended up being a different type of animal than we expected. Her first calf was extremely subpar, even for a first calf heifer. So she ended up going across the scales.
I know I kind of rambled, but hopefully I answered some questions about our program. We strive to be the best. If animal doesn't prove it can produce, its gone. We've sent some well high-bred animals across the scales to get them out of the system. We pride ourselves on having the best bulls available, and using all information at hand to selectively breed our females to our bulls. We understand that there are others that have been around longer, and we are not the only ones that can produce top of the line animals. That is why we have not been afraid to buy from them, or utilize their genetics. Although we do not go for outside bloodlines often, when we do, we do our homework and do not take additions to our lightly.
I am more than happy to clarify anything or answer anymore questions anyone might have.
Ryan
