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notypes and genetic information gives breed associations a powerful voice in a beef industry that has become depen- dent on the information needed to make sound, profitable, production and management decisions. While an association’s database serves as the foundation for long-term breed viability, it is the proper utilization of the data that has the greatest impact on breed growth. Moving forward, SGBI must constantly work on projects that merge data into easily understood formats that effectively disseminates the information to all industry members. SGBI must be tireless in developing valid, data-backed selection tools that will allow commercial producers to pinpoint the genetics that best fit their environment and match their marketing practices. We must also challenge ourselves to build our STAR 5 dataset. The growing demand for Santa Gertrudis-influenced females and a rising interest in Santa Gertrudis F1 bulls represent a tremen- dous opportunity for SGBI members and the association. Recording and submitting phenotypes on STAR 5 ani- mals reinforce the association’s position in the industry, while strengthening our dataset.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT By John Ford (361) 592-9357 | jford@santagertrudis.com

O ther than bacon, I have little or no interest in pigs. However, I have recently become a student of the purebred swine business, examin- ing the industries’ history and analyzing similarities between the swine seed- stock sector and the beef industry. In the late 1970s through the 1980s and into the 1990s, commercial swine producers began utilizing specific crossbreeding programs and adopting more sophis- ticated selection tools. The adoption of new decision-making tools placed greater pressure on seedstock operators, pushing them to provide their commer- cial customers with more performance- validating information. In turn, breed associations were asked to develop and offer additional selection aids. The result of those changing dynam- ics was the consolidation of four swine breed associations representing 87 percent of the total purebred hog population in the United States into one registry system – the National Swine Registry. Does the swine industry scenario sound familiar? Sure, it does. Com- mercial cow-calf producers are utilizing hybrids and composite breeds, and they are adopting more sophisticated selec- tion tools and placing greater pressure on seedstock providers to validate animal performance. Today’s purebred producer is expected to offer the tools necessary to minimize production risk and maximize profit. Without a doubt, there are parallels between the purebred swine industry of 30 years ago and today’s purebred beef sector. Is consolidation around the corner for beef breed associations? I think we will all agree that change is on the horizon for purebred associations. Breed associations are already collabo- rating. I see that continuing. However, in my opinion, consolida- tion into one full-service National Beef Registry remains highly unlikely. In fact, I am confident the need for beef breed associations is greater now than

ever before. Why? The answer is very simple: DATA, massive amounts of performance-validating data. Just a few decades ago, it was hard to find, sort and disseminate informa- tion. Today, the ability to store informa- tion in the cloud rather than in office drawers has made enormous amounts of information easily accessible, and computer technology allows thousands of records and pieces of information to be sorted, indexed and digested in a manner of minutes. Data is power in today’s beef indus- try, and as the collectors, managers, keepers and disseminators of data, breed associations find themselves in an enviable position. Access to thou- sands and thousands of pedigrees, phe-

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SGBI

Need to Know

Neogen Acquires Livestock Genetic Services Neogen Corporation (GeneSeek’s parent company) recently announced the acquisition of Livestock Genetic Services (LGS), SGBI’s longtime service provider. This acquisition will enhance Neogen’s in-house genetic evaluation capabilities and complement the company’s global network of animal genomics laboratories. “Adding Livestock Genetic Services and its owner John Genho will help Neogen accelerate the adoption of genomics worldwide by helping customers easily and quickly utilize genomic information in their commercial operations,” said Dr. Stew- art Bauck, Neogen’s vice president of agrigenomics. “After years of collaboration with Neogen, I am very pleased to be part of the much larger, very capable team of genomic professionals,” Genho said. “Our business has grown to the point that becoming part of a world-leading provider of animal genomic services will provide my customers with the best possible services and support.” SGBI began its relationship with LGS in 2011. “As LGS’ first breed association client, SGBI’s relationship with John Genho and his team has been special and groundbreaking on a number of fronts, including the manner in which beef genetic evaluations are conducted on a national level,” said SGBI Executive Director John Ford. “It is gratifying to see that industry members recognize the value of John Genho’s services to breed associations and cow-calf operations in the area of genetic evaluation.” Ford suspects any operational changes for SGBI to be minimal and thinks it is unlikely that SGBI members will be impacted by procedural modifications.

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA