Extension Partners with Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Cattlemen to Provide EPD Beef Cattle Workshop

May 15, 2008

Recently, Alabama Farmers Federation chapters and Alabama Cattlemen chapters in Bibb, Chilton and Perry counties, asked Extension to provide information on Expected Progeny Differences for beef producers in their counties.

“We gladly excepted the invitation from these organizations to provide educational training for beef producers,” said Jack Tatum, a regional Extension animal science agent.

EPDs have drastically changed the cattle industry, and even more EPDs are on the way. Commercial and purebred breeders in Bibb, Chilton and Perry counties have found that the proper use of EPDs can be a huge help in all phases of herd improvement. However, with the addition of new EPDs in breed sire summaries, the selection process can become increasingly difficult.

Tommy Brown, a retired animal science Extension agent from Clanton conducted the educational training. About 35 beef producers attended the workshop at the Sawmeal Restaurant in Bibb County.

County Extension coordinators in Bibb, Chilton and Perry counties sent out letters to help advertise the program. Brenda Glover, an animal science regional Extension agent, also helped.

The main topic discussed was how to use EPDs in the selection process of a herd bull for commercial and purebred breeders. Because Tommy Brown serves as president of the beef improvement federation and as a board member of the American Simmental Association, he could also offer ideas on ways to use EPDs that beef packers desire in carcass qualities.

Steve Foster, a beef producer and retired veterinarian in Bibb County, said he was pleased with the workshop. “The information presented was needed and it will be helpful in my cattle operation.”

In the coming months, these organizations will partner again to bring a forages workshop to area beef producers.

Posted by dreynold on May 15, 2008 11:42 AM
Grassroots - News from around Alabama - RSS Feed