Optimizing Bull Selection: Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start Buying
Channel: Casual Cattle Conversations
Date: 22/01/2024

Hey friends! I'm back with another casual cattle conversation. 🐄 Today I sat down with Kiernan Brandt, a cattle reproduction and genetics expert. Kiernan shares his best tips for selecting the right bulls this breeding season. 💡 He covers everything from evaluating your environment and resources to aligning genetics with your marketing plan. A few key takeaways: ✅ Reflect on last year - What went well and what could improve in your herd? Set honest goals. ✅ Ensure mature cow size fits your environment. Adding "smart pounds" improves efficiency. ✅ Balance visual appraisal with genetic data to find the best fit. Account for possible variation. ✅ Consider multi-trait bulls that excel in calving ease as well as growth. I appreciated Kiernan's perspective on fitting genetics to environment and management style. What stood out to you? Let me know in the comments!

In this episode, you will be able to:

Identify key bull selection criteria for maximizing profitability in your cattle operation.

Understand the critical role of genetics in shaping the performance and health of your cattle herd.

Explore how the cow's environment and genetics influence the overall success of your cattle operation.

Recognize the significance of temperament when selecting bulls for your herd's efficiency and ease of management.

Maximize bull longevity and herd efficiency with strategic selection practices.

My special guest is Kiernan Brandt

Kiernan Brandt, a professional service technician at TransOva, brings a wealth of expertise to the table. With a background in heifer development and reproductive physiology, coupled with hands-on experience working with producers as an extension field specialist for SDSU, Kiernan has honed his skills in optimizing and streamlining cattle operations. His current role involves leveraging advanced reproductive technology to propagate top-tier cattle genetics, making him an invaluable resource for cattle producers aiming to enhance their bull selection process. Drawing from his roots in Wyoming and a strong passion for the agricultural lifestyle, Kiernan's insights offer practical and proven strategies for maximizing conception rates and genetic progress in cattle operations.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the Red Angus breed 

00:02:23 - Guest Introduction and Background 

00:07:01 - Importance of Diverse Perspectives 

00:11:36 - Reflection on Cowherd and Management 

00:15:02 - Understanding Environment in Bull Selection 

00:15:29 - Understanding the Ranching Environment 

00:19:30 - Balancing Cow Size and Efficiency 

00:22:50 - HerdDog: The Smart Cattle Monitoring Solution https://www.herddogg.com/ 

00:23:15 - Adding Smart Pounds Through Genetic Selection 

00:30:53 - Age of Bulls and Long-Term Success 

00:31:36 - Importance of Mature Bulls 

00:32:23 - Benefits of Data-Driven Decisions 

00:33:57 - Marketing Plan Considerations 

00:38:04 - Common Mistakes in Bull Selection

Resources mentioned:

Red Angus: https://redangus.org/ 

HerdDogg: https://www.herddogg.com/ 

Full Show Notes: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/casual-cattle-conversations-podcast-shownotes 

Free Weekly Resources: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranching-resources 

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Once a month Shaye hosts Q&A calls between cattle producers and beef industry leaders to help ranchers find answers to their questions and improve their bottom lines. The best part is you get expert insight from the comfort of your own ranch and get to ask any question you want relating to the topic!

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