EPD Blanking Initiative
View educational webinar here: EPD Blanking Initiative Webinar
Red Angus EPDs: Ranch Tested – Building Ranchers’ Trust
The abundance of data presented to producers to use in genetic selection decisions has become almost excessive. The majority of bull sale catalogs contain actual and/or adjusted weights and ultrasound measurements, ratios for every trait, and Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) has long been an advocate of simplifying selection decisions by placing sole selection emphasis on EPDs. When asked why, the response given is that “the research community has proven that EPDs are superior to actual or adjusted weights in estimating an animal’s genetic merit.” However, no real proof based on Red Angus data is presented to the producer to validate that claim.
RAAA believes in the science behind our genetic selection tools and can validate their reliability with multiple examples demonstrating the effectiveness of EPDs.
Download Ranchers EPD Guide
Red Angus Market Opportunities Webinar
The future is bright for Red Angus commercial producers – beef demand is high, beef prices at the block are on the rise and previously unopened doors have been cracked. Learn about various marketing opportunities available to commercial producers in the marketing team webinar [January 2022].
Red Angus marketing opportunities webinar
Why All the Fat Bulls?
Growing and developing young bulls continues to be an ever-evolving process. How these bulls are raised has a huge impact on their success and longevity as they serve in commercial cow herds around the nation. As genetics change and are better characterized through genomically enhanced EPDs, seedstock producers are able to make more accurate bull development decisions. The RAAA has authored an industry-focused white paper to provide the seedstock breeders with greater understanding and perspective on the bull development process.
Red Angus recognizes the importance of moving the industry forward, thus a white paper on this important subject can offer valuable perspective concerning how seedstock producers should approach bull development now and in the coming years. “Why All the Fat Bulls?” can be downloaded from RedAngus.org, free of charge. Questions or interview requests should be directed to Brandi Buzzard Frobose, RAAA director of communications, at brandi@redangus.org
Marketing Team Bull Sale Review Fall 2022
The Red Angus marketing team has spent the past several months traveling to Red Angus production sales across the nation, representing the Red Angus breed while promoting RAAA’s marketing programs. Marketing team members Harold Bertz, Katie Martin, Nolan Woodruff and Rachael Oliver share observations and information from sale season, including data-driven insights into what makes a production sale successful.
Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation Powered by BOLT
At their June 2018 meeting, the RAAA Board of Directors voted at transition a portion of the EPDs reported by the Association to the IGS Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation powered by BOLT. This transition is scheduled to take place during the summer of 2018. The BOLT EPDs will include calving ease, growth, carcass and stayability. For more information, please reference these links:- Are the New BOLT-Derived EPDs More Accurate Than Previous Cornell EPDs?
- FAQ: Multi-breed Genetic Evaluation Powered by BOLT
- The Value of DNA Information in the Multi-breed Genetic Evaluation Powered by BOLT
- What to Expect with Multi-breed Genetic Evaluation Powered by BOLT
DNA Parentage Test Evaluation
In recent years the RAAA has taken action to increase DNA requirements in order for calves to be registered with the Association. The newest of these policies requires that all herd sires have a DNA sample submitted, prior to any of their calves being fully registered with the RAAA. With the help of Dr. Jim Gibb, RAAA DNA staff evaluated current RAAA DNA testing practices and policies, from sample submission to reporting of DNA testing results in the RAAA database.