One-track minds?

October 10, 2011

The number one reason that cattle don’t qualify for Certified Angus Beef ® is insufficient marbling. You’ve heard us say that before. You’ll hear us say it again.

Yes, we focus on marbling. A lot. It’s sort of our lifeblood.

But, that doesn’t mean we walk around with blinders on. We know there are dozens of considerations that cattlemen and women must weigh at every turn.

That’s why I take it personal when I hear this come up in conversation or on-line forums:

Myth–CAB advocates single-trait selection.

Fact–Not true. We want producers who aim for our brand to be profitable. We know that not only includes a focus on the end product, but also on things like reproduction and growth.

Want proof? Check out our published genetic recommendations.

It starts out with this statement:

“Selecting for any one trait while ignoring others does not lead to commercially successful livestock production. The key is balance in selecting for all traits that affect profit, both short- and long-term. However, balance need not mean ‘equal.’”

Yes, if you want to raise high-quality beef that consumers clamor for then you must put some emphasis on marbling. Otherwise you can’t make improvement.

But that’s no different than trying to tame mature cow size or increase efficiency—you must apply some selection pressure but still keep other goals in mind.

“Maximize only in balance” is a column I wrote a couple years ago that discusses this idea further, but perhaps it’d be better to read about some other folks who embrace this mindset. Almost ranch profile we write seems to have a thread of this, so I just picked out a couple I thought you might enjoy:

• “Playing for Profit”
• “Positive Energy”
• “Quality Lessons”

I genuinely hope people know that we”re not just spreading propaganda or interested in advancing this brand whatever the costs. We want farmers and ranchers, feeders and packers to all be profitable and we know that takes vision, and I’m talking about the narrowly focused kind.

May your bottom line be filled with black ink,

~Miranda

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