03/14/09

Replacement female selection is based on proper confirmation, EPD's, genetic background and fleshing ability. Disposition also plays a part in the selection decision. Females are culled from the herd on production within the herd as well as physical problems and breeding efficiency. Since our cattle are run on grass year-round, a cow must be able to do her part in that environment.

Embryo Transfer has been utilized at various times. Only the highest quality donors are utilized, based on EPDs, pedigree and past production.

Our calving season runs from November thru December. Our herd is run on year round grazing most years. Temporary winter grazing is planted in the fall, so that the cows have high quality grazing during the winter months, during early lactation.

All herd records are kept in the HERD Handler program through the American Simmental Association. This includes all records from birth weight/calving info, weaning weights, yearling weights, carcass ultrasound, EPDs, herd summaries, etc. Also, our herd has been enrolled in the American Simmental Association's Total Herd Enrollment (THE) program since it's inception.

We place a lot of emphasis on depth of body and capacity. We feel that this will enable the cows to maintain better body condition on forage and also to produce sons that will excel on grass. Based on our past experience at the Canoochee Forage Bull Development Center, where bulls are tested for 180 days on a forage only diet, our cowherd has accomplished this well, as several of our bulls have been at the very top for average daily gain on forage.