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Technology Helps Ranchers Prosper

Producers share how they have used technology in their operations.

by Kasey Miller, associate editor

 

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2013) — “We are living in some of the most exciting times in history. There are challenges, yes, but this is a great business,” said Mark Gardiner, Gardiner Angus Ranch, Ashland, Kan., and member of a panel discussing technological advances at the 20th Cattlemen’s College^® during the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention in Tampa, Fla.

 

The panel consisted of Gardiner; Bill McDonald, McDonald Farms, Blacksburg, Va.; Jack Holden, Holden Herefords, Valier, Mont.; and David Nichols, Nichols Farms, Bridgewater, Iowa.

 

Beef production is like a three-legged stool, Gardiner said, the legs being cattle nutrition, herd health and information-based systems.

 

Gardiner said his family’s operation has used artificial insemination (AI) exclusively since 1964, so they only use high-accuracy, proven bulls. All of the other panelists agreed that AI is influential in their operations, as well, even if not used exclusively. Embryo transfer (ET) also allows high-value females to produce more progeny.

 

The Gardiners rely on the American Angus Association’s performance information database, which has helped them to increase their male weights by 77%, decrease birth weight and stature, and maintain mature weight. They have also been able to increase weights and gain by almost 100% with 56% less feed.

 

Genomics was another popular technology among the panelists. Genomic-testing allows producers to evaluate unproven animals with greater accuracy, accelerating genetic improvement. McDonald said the value of genomics is in saving two years and about $1,500 putting a bull through the Simmental carcass-merit program. DNA testing also allows for parentage verification and elimination of genetic defects, said Holden.

 

Even with the availability of genomic testing, panelists agreed that phenotypic traits must still be collected, recorded and taken into consideration.

 

Ultrasounding was a popular technology among panelists, who said they use it to assist with reproductive and carcass evaluation. Gardiner said they use ultrasound for early pregnancy diagnosis and for fetal gender determination.

 

Records are integral, and each had their own system. Gardiner said they developed a Microsoft Access program. Holden explained that they use GEM software, which builds custom reports.

 

Holden explained that they also use sexed semen in their line-breeding program. This way they have a much better chance of producing females.

 

Nichols said the industry is indebted to pioneers like Henry Gardiner and Les Holden; they had the foresight to start using some of these technologies in their infancy. By taking advantage of continually emerging technologies, the industry will continue to advance, he said.

 

“We have an obligation to produce the best genetics in the world to allow our customers to succeed,” Gardiner asserted.

  

Now in its 20th year, Cattlemen’s College has established a reputation as one of the most thorough cattle producer education programs in the nation. Coordinated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the program is sponsored by Zoetis Animal Health (formerly Pfizer Animal Health).