SG-USA-August-2018

However, technology has changed the way breeding and selection decisions are made. SGBI’s cutting-edge genetic evaluation utilizes the latest genetic technology and the breed is recognized as an industry leader in the adoption of innovative genetic tools. SGBI’s genetic evaluation is the most powerful tool available for measuring economically relevant traits. Utiliz- ing the genetic tools in the associa- tion’s toolbox enables Santa Gertrudis seedstock breeders to identify animals with superior genetic merit, allowing breeding objectives to align with the needs of commercial cattlemen and the end-point targets desired by the beef- buying public. Innovation in the area of beef cattle genetic technology is occurring at a blinding speed. To keep the breed in the forefront, the next generation of SGBI active members must be committed to identifying and adopting new genetic tools that are profitable for the breed and the industry. The ability to breed the type and kind of cattle demanded by a specific commercial customer base will also

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT By John Ford (361) 592-9357 | jford@santagertrudis.com

T he Beef Improvement Federation meetings ended Saturday, June 23, the same day that the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show was kicking-off. As I boarded my flight, leaving one and heading to the other, the industry and its future were definite- ly on my mind. The focus of the 50th Annual Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention centered on genetic technology, the need for industry members to respond to the demands for more consistent genetics, profitability and the effects of a changing marketplace – all very thought-provoking topics. However, on my flight south, I mostly thought about the association’s nearly 300 juniors and their future in an industry that is constantly evolving. A paper prepared for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Asso- ciation’s Young Leadership Series by James McGrann, Ph.D., professor emeritus and Texas A&M University ranch management economist, exam- ined the challenges faced by young people interested in beef production as a livelihood. As would be expected, McGrann focused on the volume of capital needed to establish a cow-calf enterprise capable of generating the income needed to support a family. To emphasize this point, he referenced the fact that fewer than 4 percent of U.S. cow-calf operations allow owners to make their sole living from the cow-calf enterprise. I realize that few of the 2018 National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show partici- pants will have the opportunity to be counted among that 4 percent. Howev- er, following their youth show careers, I am confident SGBI juniors interested in becoming active beef industry partici- pants can do so and do it in a viable and profitable manner. I think this is especially true for young producers interested in seedstock production. Young producers with an appreciation

of technological innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit are perfectly posi- tioned to take advantage of growing industry opportunities. Transitioning from the junior show ring to producer and provider of profit- able seedstock requires an understand- ing of the needs of commercial cow-calf producers as well as knowledge regard- ing the desires of beef-buying con- sumers. Show ring selection is solely dependent upon visual appraisal, and live animal evaluation is an extremely valuable tool. It is the cornerstone of the beef cattle selection process.

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Hardy Wins SGBI Photo Contest For the second year in a row, Santa Gertrudis Breed-

ers International (SGBI) conducted a social media photo contest in conjunc- tion with the 2018 National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show (NJSGS). SGBI asked for photos taken at the NJSGS, as well as a description of why the person submitting the photo is proud to raise Santa Gertrudis. The winner was selected on the number

of “likes” and “shares” the photo received. Bryce Hardy of Kaufman, Texas, was the winner of the contest with his photo, “Santa Gertrudis – A Different Breed.” Here Bryce explains the significance of this photo and why he is proud to raise Santa Gertrudis. “Santa Gertrudis is a different breed. No other breed of cow has the personal- ity of a Santa Gertrudis. From getting my first Santa Gertrudis heifer from Big M Ranch to now, she’s always been loving, caring and, most important, gentle. Not only is she gentle, but she doesn’t shy away from people who come over, and she is very aware of her surroundings. “All the Santa Gertrudis that I have been around are gentle and, to me, that’s the most important thing with a show cow. I look forward to this show year with my little red Santa Gertrudis.” Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest and congratulations, Bryce!

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA