As producers target a more balanced set of EPDs, says Crouch, the consistency may not be apparent right away, but cattle will be getting better. Bolze also places carcass traits all on the same level. Like Bergfeld, he says producers need to know where the cow herd is in terms of the industry. In addition, he advocates the use of bulls that are moderate in all traits and encourages producers to side-step extremes. It becomes a stocking rate issue and not a debate to advocate large swings in EPDs.
Most producers are aware of the value-based pricing grids available.
Bolze cautions those producers who focus on the high-marbling bulls thinking the grids will provide big payoffs. The grids do work on higher-quality carcasses most of the time. Still, every attempt must be made to avoid potentially huge discounts on light or heavy carcasses, dark cutters and Yield Grade 4 carcasses. Producers must be certain the grid prices will offset a loss in production traits if the focus has been placed on a single trait. Bolze agrees with Bergfeld when ranking most carcass traits.