Local farms listed in sire evaluation report

Two local farms have bulls listed in a sire evaluation report being released in spring of 2011.

Wilson Cattle Company of Cloverdale owns nine bulls and Willer Timber Ridge Farm of Greencastle owns one bull listed in the Spring 2011 Sire Evaluation Report published by the American Angus Association in Saint Joseph, Mo. National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) expected progeny differences (EPDs) are now generated on a weekly basis; however a biannual report is still printed. Issued in both the spring and fall, the Sire Evaluation Report features the latest performance information available on 4,765 sires, and is currently accessible at www.angus.org.

"This report provides both Angus breeders and commercial cattle producers using Angus genetics with accurate, predictable selection tools for improving their herd," says Bill Bowman, American Angus Association chief operating officer (COO) and director of performance programs. EPDs are generated from the performance database of the American Angus Association, which includes information submitted by nearly 8,300 Angus breeders this past year through the Association's Beef Improvement Records (BIR) program.

EPDs are listed for growth and maternal traits, as well as Residual Average Daily Gain (RADG), docility and carcass traits that integrate DNA databases in addition to performance records. Decision-making tools also include $Values in the suite of bio-economic indexes designed to assist commercial producers in simplifying the genetic selection process. In addition, the Spring 2011 Sire Evaluation Report includes an updated research report for heifer pregnancy.

The semi-annual Sire Evaluation Report utilizes over 19 million measures used to generate more than 55 million EPDs for the Angus breed.

The American Angus Association with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., provides programs and services for nearly 30,000 members nationwide and thousands of commercial producers who use Angus genetics. Go to www.angus.org for more information.