SG-USA-April-2020

SANTA GERTRUDIS SHOW Result s

DIXIE NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW Feb. 11, 2020 | Jackson, Miss. | Judge: Wes Hudson

GRAND CHAMPION BULL TF Prospector, shown by Mattingly Farm and Tinney Farms, Hanceville, Ala.

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL AND BEST OF POLLED BULL WR Caesar, shown by Abbie Mouton, Abbeville, La.

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE AND BEST OF POLLED FEMALE Miss 777 Kirby, shown by 777 Farms, Magnolia, Ark.

GRAND CHAMPION STAR 5 FEMALE Miss 777 Gypsy, shown by Erin Kay Daniel, Magnolia, Ark.

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Miss 777 Kitty, shown by 777 Farms, Magnolia, Ark.

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION STAR 5 FEMALE MTG Jazzy, shown by Brittany Kunkel, Poughkeepsie, Ark.

FIELDS TAKES THE REINS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

place. Correct skeletal quality allows cattle to be big bodied, powerful and attractive, which increases production and perceived value. If we can focus on the basics of feet and leg structure, fertility, longevity and quality, the rest seems to take care of itself. As for SGBI, this association plans to be very supportive of our membership in their quest to produce the high-

We are all pushing toward the same goal: to see this breed thrive and ensure its profitability and longevity for many years to come. With that in mind, our collaborative efforts of keeping the cattle good on hoof, while adopting the science, certainly seems like the right balance to do just that.

things. A trait-leading bull in one or two traits, with an otherwise balanced evalu- ation, can be extremely valuable to a breeder needing to move the needle in a positive direction for those traits that this herd sire excels at. Breeding complementarity must continue to be evaluated and considered when mating our cows, not simply applying a “one size fits all” approach in our breeding schemes. As we are in the midst of evaluating traits, collecting performance data and trying to remain up-to-date on the sci- ence, we cannot forget that cattle still have to function in the real world and have a quality look. With tight margins and many of us in the business for both profit and enjoyment, we must keep a product that is pleasing to the eye and, more important, that will be long lasting in their skeleton. As it was explained to me early on in livestock evaluation, the skeleton serves as the foundation of the animal. If the skeleton is laid in right, the rest falls into

est valued, best product available. In doing so, our mission is to provide excellent member service, manage and protect asso- ciation assets, and remain progressive in adopting technology and innova- tion to gain market share. Our door, phones, emails and every other line of communication remain open to funnel new ideas as well as serve as an information center to keep what we feel is the best breed, with the best members, up to date on all things Santa Gertrudis.

APRIL 2020 • WWW.SANTAGERTRUDIS.COM

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