As we near the feedlot fall run and cow-calf producers market their calves at the highest prices received to date, every additional pound of gain has greater profit potential.

It’s no secret: Feed has always accounted for, by far, the biggest production expense of beef cattle production.

Creating beef from dairy supply chains is not a new concept. For the past seven years, Penn State research programs have emphasized dairy progeny as part of the beef supply chain.

In this podcast episode, Progressive Cattle Editor Carrie Veselka speaks with Kara Lee, director of producer engagement at Certified Angus Beef, to discuss direct-to-consumer marketing and the CBA Ranch to Table program. Editor Abby George meets up with Russ Daly, South Dakota State University Extension Veterinarian, at Range Beef Cow Symposium to talk about herd health planning and steps producers can take to protect their cow herd. 

“Genetic improvement” is a term with far-reaching implications, uniquely and individually defined by those in the beef industry.

While cow-calf operations, feedlots and packing plants grab the most press and media coverage, the North American beef industry performs well largely because of consistent value-based contributions from those in unheralded sectors.

In recent years, the dairy industry has witnessed a significant rise in the number of beef cross calves being born. This emerging trend of crossbreeding dairy cows with beef bulls at a large scale has not been a linear process.

Demand for high-quality beef has been increasing at a rapid pace for the last decade, with no decline in sight. Prior to that, the percentage of cattle grading USDA Prime averaged about 2% to 4% nationally. Today, USDA Prime is often seen in 10% to 15% or more of cattle.

The foundations for beef cattle genomic testing began over a century ago, when forward-thinking breed associations started collecting pedigree and phenotypic data on registered animals. Breeders studied pedigrees, aspiring to create matings that would yield more valuable animals with desirable physical traits.