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ROCKIN 3T RANCH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

at Quail Valley Farms, Oneonta, Ala., and partnered on a donor cow with 777 Farms in Magnolia, Ark. The Threets are wanting to learn more from experienced breeders to understand what has worked for their operations in the past but also keeping an eye on the future. Rockin 3T Ranch is also paying attention to data and finding a balanced approached to breeding. Their custom- ers are searching for this while also being attracted to the phenotypic traits of their cattle. “I’m learning how to combine the two to raise quality cattle that perform well in the show ring, as well as for commer- cial producers,” Colby says. “In our cattle program, we need to focus on growth, so I look for high weaning and yearling weight numbers,” he adds. “But I also know that while improving our growth, we want to look for higher marbling and ribeye area EPDs. Not only are we raising high-per- forming cattle, but we are also wanting high-quality beef.” While Colby is looking to grow heavy calves that will compete well, he is also proud that many other producers who are focused on maternal traits are look- ing at his herd sires to use in their own programs for phenotype and growth. The Rockin 3T’s program changed for the better in 2015 when herd sire, Syrus, was born. Syrus’ main purpose as a herd sire started out for the show ring where he made a name for himself. Rockin 3T’s goal for Syrus is for his offspring to continue to improve and outperform him, and they are proud to say they’ve done that multiple times. “Syrus does carry strong growth EPDs,” Colby says. “I would like

Rockin 3T Ranch is also paying attention to data and finding a balanced approached to breeding. Their customers are searching for this while

Working together at their family’s business, Colby says the cattle busi- ness is also a family venture. Colby and Scott run the cattle together. His sister, Kayla, used to show cattle but is now involved in the swine industry. Colby’s family is about to expand as well with his upcoming marriage to Hannah Chaffin. The couple plans to marry in November, and Colby says Hannah shares the same passion about cattle and the industry as he does. “Hannah is already a big part of Rockin 3T, and I can’t wait to share the experiences with her that are yet to come,” Colby says. While showing has been a predomi- nant part of raising Santa Gertrudis cattle for Colby, he says that perfor- mance traits and expected progeny differences (EPDs) have been changing the way he looks at the genetics of his herd and the breed in general. “I was out in the pasture studying replacement heifers and just could not differentiate upon which ones to keep,” Colby recalls. “So, I started studying their EPDs and picked our replace- ments for their numbers. “I used to be solely focused on phe- notypically correct cattle, but now the trend is leaning towards quality perfor- mance traits and EPDs, so I’m directing my genetic decisions on well-balanced cattle with superior EPDs.” The Threet family understands that performance and showing need to be balanced and can work hand-in-hand. Colby recently purchased a bull from Santa Gertrudis breeder Ricky Cleveland

to see his carcass traits improve in his progeny; time and selective breeding will get that done.” Reading EPDs and looking for performance traits are new to a lot of producers and Colby has appreciated the Facebook Live events that Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) Executive Director Webb Fields has put together for members. “These have been great resources for people like me who are wanting to learn more,” Colby says. “That is just one benefit of being a member.” Recordings of these webcasts can be found at https://santagertrudis.com/ member-resources/video-resources/. Now as an SGBI member, Colby is taking more of a role to get involved. He serves on the Show & Exhibits Committee, as well as Breed Standards Committee. As a former junior member, Colby recognizes what juniors need and the value of being a junior member, and he works with junior members who buy his show calves. “When I was a junior member, the people I showed with became like family,” he says. “We hauled together also being attracted to the phenotypical traits of their cattle.

and just did life together. I want to see these kids suc- ceed, so then they can raise more calves out of Rockin 3T cattle. “It took a long time to get where I am now – it even took 11 years for me showing to become a grand champion,” Colby says. “So, I just want to encourage junior members to not give up. Hard work beats talent every day, so keep doing what you’re doing.”

Rockin 3T’s 219, the 2020 Reserve National Champion Female sired by Syrus.

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA