Santa Gertrudis Source January 2025

BUILDING BLOCKS Continued from 16

“We have to get the word out about how this breed has modernized and the work we’ve done to make Santa Gertrudis desirable,” Hefte says. “These cattle will thrive anywhere you put them, but people don’t know that. We have an excellent product, and now it’s about getting people fa miliar with it.” She believes data is the best way to prove the breed’s value in a commer cial setting. “We utilize the latest technology at Hefte Ranch by using genomics and feed efficiency tests,” Hefte says. “We also use ultrasound to scan our ani mals to determine intramuscular fat and ribeye area. We keep detailed re cords that are labor intensive because we want to continue bringing quality, consistent animals to the table every time.” Individual breeders are not the only ones working hard to improve the breed’s quality and demand in the in dustry. SGBI is also making strides to improve the breed. “We created a new EPD for fertility, and we are always looking to create viable EPD measurements,” Taylor says. “Our goal is to remain a front runner in the newest technology and create programs that benefit produc ers. We are lucky to have the support of the breeders willing to work with us to propel Santa Gertrudis to the next level within the beef industry.” you put them, but people don’t know that. We have an excellent product, and now it’s about getting people familiar with it.” – Kathryn Hefte “We have to get the word out about how this breed has modernized and the work we’ve done to make Santa Gertrudis desirable. These cattle will thrive anywhere

Five Oaks Ranch PO Box 611 Valley Mills, TX 76689 254-932-6182

status through multiple generations of breeding back to registered Santa

Gertrudis cattle. Feed Efficient

According to McClure, Santa Ger trudis is gaining popularity in the commercial business because of its feed efficiency and performance in a feedlot. “I have seen recent numbers from closeouts, where the animals gained 3.9 pounds per day and converted 5.2 pounds of dry feed,” McClure says. “For most breeds, it could be anywhere from 5.7 to 6.5 pounds of feed required to convert to 1 pound of beef. Santa Gertrudis gain fast and convert feed efficiently.” However, sometimes, there needs to be a longer feeding period. “Sometimes we don’t understand the growth profile of Santa Gertru dis cattle,” McClure says. “We have to grow them long enough to reach their optimum quality. If we do that, the cattle will grade 85 to 95 percent Choice or better.” These cattle also excel health-wise in a feedlot situation when many oth ers will fall prey to sickness. “Not only are they feed efficient, but the Santa Gertrudis cattle also stay healthier than other breeds when they go to the feedyard,” McClure says. “I have feedlots tell me these cattle resist the pathogens and stay healthy. They have minimal health issues out of the The future of Santa Gertrudis has never been brighter, and breeders are working to advance Santa Gertrudis to the next level and keep it in high demand. “There is an extremely high demand for crossbreds with maternal traits,” McClure says. “We need to produce animals to feed the demand for the F1 crossbreds because operations are hungry for them. I’ve had produc ers comment that they can’t get their hands on any because they sell so fast.” Hefte says it is all about education and breed promotion. Santa Gertrudis animals.” The Future of the Breed

2X Polled Bulls

Semen Available 10 Units $300

Frozen semen also available from many of our other bulls

Predictable Profitable Performance

For more information contact: Bill Barrett 254-932-6182

Lacy Butler 254-592-2587 lacybb@yahoo.com

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SANTA GERTRUDIS SOURCE

JANUARY 2025